reconstruction
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Report Reveals Major Problems With Iraq Reconstruction

Dec 14, 2008
Remember when we were told that the Iraq invasion would be a quick and straightforward venture, and that the resulting reconstruction effort would pay for itself? Those notions, like so many others that held sway in recent years, have been belied by the actual outcomes, as evidenced by a new report about the highly problematic rebuilding process in Iraq.

Baghdad Behind Walls

Aug 14, 2008
Walls have become ubiquitous in Baghdad, a place where barricades keep militias from one another and hungry shoppers from the nearest kebab. As Iraqis struggle with sovereignty, the barriers are a constant reminder of the American military occupation.

Iraq’s $79-Billion Windfall

Aug 6, 2008
A congressional report has found that the Iraqi government will soon have a $79-billion surplus, thanks to the record price of oil. It's a figure that will surely raise eyebrows as the U.S. shells out an additional $48 billion for reconstruction, but the situation, like all things involving billions and bombs, is a lot more complicated.

U.N. Head Surveys Burma Damage

May 23, 2008
After putting pressure on Burma's ruling military junta, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has traveled to Burma, where he is taking stock of the devastation left by Cyclone Nargis on May 2. Ban also met with Prime Minister Thein Sein, who told him that the storm-ravaged country is out of the relief phase and into reconstruction.

Trading Spaces, Iraq Edition

May 15, 2008
Sectarian violence has driven millions of Iraqis from their homes. Now that the violence has abated in one formerly upscale Baghdad neighborhood, residents are returning to find squatters who refuse to leave and a government and occupying army unwilling to kick them out.

Rubber-Stamping ‘Failed’ Iraq Projects

Apr 28, 2008
The special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction has found a disturbing trend among Iraq rebuilding projects. Far too often, when work is incomplete, U.S. officials will revise or "descope" the terms of the contract to list the project as completed. One example: A $35-million children's hospital in Basra that is marked completed despite the fact that it's only 35 percent up and running.

Iraq Reconstruction Breaks Down

Apr 30, 2007
Seventy-five percent of projects surveyed in the latest report by the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction were no longer functioning properly. Investigators said facilities began breaking down after only six months and that roughly $5 billion is lost every year to fraud.