Free Republic

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Members of Congress took a tour of Iraq's dilapidated infrastructure Sunday, giving them a firsthand look at the daunting task of rebuilding the nation before they vote on President Bush's $87 billion funding request. Meanwhile, Iraqi police and U.S. forces seized weapons in Baghdad and the north of the country after a small but symbolic rocket attack on a U.S. compound in the Iraqi capital.Rep. Jim Walsh, a New York Republican and member of the 17-member Congressional delegation visiting Iraq, said at the end of the daylong tour that the lawmakers were convinced Iraq has ``tremendous...

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - In a move to win allies, the United States is considering honoring contracts made by Saddam Hussein's government under the U.N. oil-for-food program if the Security Council lifts sanctions against Iraq, diplomats said on Friday. The proposal was made by U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte during a meeting of council members and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Thursday and reported by several participants in the session. It would reimburse firms whose contracts had been approved and funded under the multibillion dollar program. Negroponte said a final decision had not been made. However, his comments indicated serious consideration...