Tens of Millions Wasted in Iraq
Jan 31, 2007 The latest report from the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction says tens of millions of dollars have been wasted because of failure and fraud. Among other abuses, the report cites a never-used $48.3-million housing facility, complete with an Olympic-size swimming pool. If Willie Sutton were alive today, he'd head straight to Baghdad.
U.S. Pledges Support for Lebanon
Jan 25, 2007 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced a $770-million aid package to help with Lebanon's reconstruction. The war-ravaged nation is hoping to raise $9 billion in aid. Meanwhile, a Hezbollah-backed general strike and mass protests continue to threaten the tenure of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.
Billions Wasted in Iraq
Nov 9, 2006 Stuart Bowen of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction says billions of dollars of Iraq's national income are lost annually to corruption, with public funds often ending up in the hands of insurgents. Bowen's oversight office is set to close due to legislation passed by the Republican Congress.
Iraq Oversight Agency Silenced
Nov 3, 2006 An obscure provision inserted at the last minute into a military authorization bill signed by President Bush has closed the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. The oversight agency had repeatedly embarrassed the administration by exposing corruption, exploitation and negligence in the reconstruction effort in Iraq.Lebanon Pledge Drive a Major Success
Sep 1, 2006 Donors attending a conference in Sweden have pledged $940 million for Lebanon's reconstruction, almost twice as much aid as organizers had hoped for. Although he said his country had sustained billions of dollars in damage, Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora expressed his "great appreciation" of the donors' support.
