BF2S Forums The Great Iraq Swindle... 'Facts' & Figures

'Lost, stolen or not properly accounted for' isn't quite the same as making a profit...

lowing wrote:

Braddock wrote:

A BBC investigation estimates that around $23bn (£11.75bn) may have been lost, stolen or just not properly accounted for in Iraq. For the first time, the extent to which some private contractors have profited from the conflict and rebuilding has been researched by the BBC's Panorama using US and Iraqi government sources. A US gagging order is preventing discussion of the allegations. The order applies to 70 court cases against some of the top US companies.

"A US gagging order is preventing discussion of the allegations. The order applies to 70 court cases against some of the top US companies."

Freedom of speech is brilliant, it's one of the great liberties Western style democracy affords...the Iraqi's must be glad they've been blessed with such gifts! I unfortunately didn't get to see the documentary that aired tonight in relation to this story but there are some damning accusations in that web article. I'm sure the Neo-Cons will just read the letters "B" "B" "C" and look no further but perhaps anyone who has an actual viewpoint on this scandal, or who maybe got to see the documentary, might proffer their ten cents.

Wow, contractors making money during war time..........Stop the presses. I bet Boeing didn't make a cent during WW2

But the key thing they're saying is that it wasn't made legitimately.

The search for the missing billions also led the programme to a house in Acton in West London

lol not too far from me

Last edited by Mek-Stizzle (2008-06-10 15:08:19)

Kmarion wrote:

Haven't we had enough swindles?

Swindles are all the rage now!

International blocs and trade groups channeling power into the hands of the few and sharing the riches out among the privileged and well-connected seems to be the direction in which modern politics is taking us. The sceptic in me believes the Lisbon treaty is another extension of this trend. the fact that people even feel it normal to say that people make profit in war and that's just the way things are is an indication of how greedy and mercenary the modern world has become. Millions of people died in order for this profiteering to take place...now even if it's not a grand conspiracy it's still blood money and more importantly it's Iraqi money that's flowing into the hands of greedy Westerners.

It's sad to say but it's figures and statistics like this that make people feel less and less sympathy for Western nations when they suffer terror attacks, thieves and crooks don't court as much sympathy.

lowing wrote:

Wow, contractors making money during war time..........Stop the presses. I bet Boeing didn't make a cent during WW2

It's amazing how glibly you dismiss corporate fraud - stealing - when you natter on mindlessly about 'personal responsibility' and 'social welfare sponging' all day. Typical neo-con: hypocritical to the nth degree.

What are the court cases about ? I assume that means some people are going to be held accountable

I know in this crowd, ALL corporations are evil, and all neocons are crooks, but keep in mind when they say 'unnaccounted for'  with some of this money, it does not always mean thievery and fraud. Sometimes it's poor to completely non-existent bookeeping. Not denying that fraud took place; I'm just saying, the Iraqi banking system was in a shambles, and much of the money was literally shipped in in piles of cash and kept by certain individuals to dole out by whatever authority and according to whatever set of rules or earmarks -- it was chaotic, I heard stories of people literally moving funds around in backpacks.

Again not making excuses, but in that atmosphere it does not surprise me at all that unscrupulous people or groups would take advantage.

I hope some prosecutions come of it, and I think that some companies have already been sued for overcharging the gov't.

I read one story about a couple of guys (just normal joes) who went to Iraq on a sort of adventure seeking trip -- and with no real expertise or skills, ended up finagling jobs working for the CPA...they werent bad guys, they actually were trying to help out people in Sadr City.. but it just goes to show how in that circus-like environment a lot of crazy stuff went on.

Last edited by Vax (2008-06-10 20:50:57)