US blocks foes to war from Iraq contracts

CNN ^ | 12-10-03

[SJackson]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Pentagon will bar France, Germany and other countries that opposed the U.S.-led war in Iraq from competing for $18.6 billion worth of contracts in the Mideast nation's reconstruction efforts.

A memo posted Tuesday on a Pentagon Web site restricts the list of countries eligible to compete for the contracts to nations that participated in the coalition effort in the Iraq war or supported it.

[RS]

"In Berlin, a German government spokesman said the United States had not contacted his government. If it is true that Germany is barred, he said that "it would not be acceptable. It would not be in agreement with the spirit that both sides have signaled, to look into the future and not into the past."

This will be interesting to watch - It's OUR money and now they want to have a say in who we can buy stuff from with it !

[bandleader]

GOOD!It'a about time we took off the gloves when dealing with the likes of"Old Europe"!!!

[bandleader]

GOOD!It'a about time we took off the gloves when dealing with the likes of"Old Europe"!!!

[Sunshine Sister]

You got that exactly right. The Pentagon has every right to limit who participate. It is American money that will pay up front and if the French, Russians, Chinese and Germany don't like it they can go jump in a lake!

[CougarGA7]

I'm sure France and Germany will go crying to the UN. They are unwilling to put forth any effort but now they want the spoils. All I have to say is (best John Kerry imitation) F@*#'em.

[RebelBanker]

I think I heard that Canada is also not on the approved list. Anybody remember?

[Broadside Joe]

I've said it once and I'll say it again. With a total of 18.6 billion in contracts in play, what are they whining about being that we already sent 22 billion in aid?

[Jumper]

Just a word from the Regional Contracting Office in Brussels Belgium .... Our employees are rather miffed at the USA for excluding France and Germany.... I asked them if Belgium was excluded an they no that they supported us:) Of course, the French Belgiks were the most incessed and as a good American I laughed it off making them even more angry. Oh, the the currency devaluation of the US dollar against the Euro is unfair as well, its wrong for the US to hurt all the Europeans with this new "tarriff". My aren't they sesnsitive:)

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[cajunman]

Canada is NOT on the approved list.

[DCCoolBreeze]

not to mention the lives of our soldiers.

[SJackson]

I think I heard that Canada is also not on the approved list. Anybody remember?

Canada protests U.S. snub on Iraq

[americanbychoice]

I will never set foot into the country of a lesser frog again. (Belgium)

[SolutionsOnly]

Canada is not on the list, which is as it should be. It's Pretty simple: No risk, no Reward. Besides, there is plenty of opportunity for Canada in Afghanistan.

[RebelBanker]

Thanks! Good to hear that the Soviet Republic of Canuckistan's bahavior was not forgotten.

[SolutionsOnly]

Canada can help itself the most by rebuilding its own decrepit military, rather than another nation.

[Ukiapah Heep]

"We're taking note of the directing lines signed by Mr. Paul Wolfowitz," a French spokesman said. "We wish to make no comments at this stage."

Eat it, froggie! When the USA want's your opinion, we'll give it to you.

[LetsRok]

Germany has said that it may take a harder line at restructuring Iraq's debt. I say, Iraq doesn't owe Germany or anyone else anything. The debt was incurred by a government that no longer exists. They can collect from Saddam Hussein if they can find him.

[Helms]

Chiraq appealing to "International Law". Lets get him one of those New Sock Scarves that terrorists are now using.