the biggie

USAID Awards Iraq Infrastructure II Contract

In support of the Coalition Provisional Authority’s (CPA) reconstruction efforts in Iraq, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced the selection of a multi-million dollar Iraq infrastructure repair and rehabilitation contractor, otherwise referred to as the Iraq Infrastructure II contract, to Bechtel National, Inc. based in San Francisco.  Bechtel is teamed with the Parsons Corporation of Pasadena, California.  The contract award provides funding up to $1.8 billion over 24 months.  Funding is subject to congressional notification and availability of funds.

Ahhh. How sweet. Little Bechtel just made more cha-ching. Like it was a surprise.

Hey...did you hear what Paul O'Neill, former Secretary of the Treasury, is saying? Bush Sought ‘Way’ To Invade Iraq?

Based on his interviews with O'Neill and several other officials at the meetings, Suskind writes that the planning envisioned peacekeeping troops, war crimes tribunals, and even divvying up Iraq's oil wealth.

He obtained one Pentagon document, dated March 5, 2001, and entitled "Foreign Suitors for Iraqi Oilfield contracts," which includes a map of potential areas for exploration.

“It talks about contractors around the world from, you know, 30-40 countries. And which ones have what intentions,” says Suskind. “On oil in Iraq.”

So...do you think Bechtel was in on the meetings? Do you think the planning was part of Cheney's energy meetings?

We at bpost think that is exactly what went on and we're looking forward to reading the new book, The Price of Loyalty by Ron Suskind, to find out more.