Civilian and military disconnect in Iraq

[MTAtech]

A good picture of the disconnect between civilian and military authorities in Iraq. It might stir up some discussion of the value we taxpayers and the Iraqi people are getting for the $20 billion Bush is handing over to Bechtel et al that our legislators voted for without real debate.

Soldiers from the 101st tell me that they waited months for the Bechtel Corporation to unleash its corporate might in northern Iraq. “Then one of the Bechtel truck convoys got ambushed on the way up here three weeks ago, and one of the security guys got wounded,” an infantryman told me. “They abandoned their trucks on the spot and pulled out, and we haven’t seen them since.” http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/op...rint&position=

[Atomic Rooster]

Originally posted by MTAtech
"Then one of the Bechtel truck convoys got ambushed on the way up here three weeks ago, and one of the security guys got wounded,” an infantryman told me. “They abandoned their trucks on the spot and pulled out, and we haven’t seen them since.”

Can you blame them? I wouldn't go back either.

[MTAtech]

I believe the point was that Bechtel is getting paid billions but the work is being done by the regular army.

"If we sat around waiting for the C.P.A. and its civilian contractors to do it, we still wouldn’t have electricity and running water in Mosul, so we just took our own funds and our engineers and infantry muscle and did it ourselves. "

While, "If you’re curious about how your tax dollars are being spent in Baghdad, you should get one of the many colonels strolling about the Green Zone to take you on a tour of the rebuilt duck pond across the road from the marble and gold-leafed palace serving as headquarters of an Army brigade. "

[Atomic Rooster]

Well maybe if there wasn't a threat of being killed, Bechtel could do it's job properly.

[J-Excel]

No one ever blamed the government for spending it's (our) money wisely. Iraq is no better or no worse than other government spending.

Another similar issue I heard about is that Halliburton is charging about $1.50 for gas, but local entrepreneurs can get it for about $1.00. Halliburton claims the extra cost is to cover costs due to the hazardous environment. This should be open for local bids IMO.

[TOAD6147]

Oi Ve!

Well maybe if there wasn't a threat of being killed, Bechtel could do it's job properly.

Good grief, AR, what kind of sense does THAT make? They are there to make the big bucks and they are being paid the big bucks to be there. Are you saying they went to a war zone to make the big bucks but they didn't expect to have to take any risks or be in harm's way? I mean, after all, it IS a combat zone.
I can respect most of your arguments against a regular foe like MATech when based on intelligent exchange but your stand on this is just plain ludicrous!

[Atomic Rooster]

I'm sure it was supposed to be secured before they were allowed in. I don't think any civilians should be allowed into a combat area no matter how much they are being paid. They are not being paid to defend themselves, nor are they trained to do so. That's the Army's job. They are the ones trained to kill people and blow things up.

[TOAD6147]

This should be open for local bids IMO.

Well said, J-Excel! Couldn't agree more.

[MTAtech]

It reminds me of the war profiteering during the Civil War. Connected people got contracts to supply the army that was at the highest prices and the lowest quality. Not that I remember that first hand, mind you.