- Making News: Violence in Iraq Forces Two Big Contractors to Curb Work
Reconstruction is vital to US plans to foster good will and establish democracy in Iraq, so the Coalition Provisional Authority is awarding $9 billion in rebuilding contracts. But it-s being reported today that General Electric and Siemens have suspended most of their operations because of increased violence. Dallas Lawrence, who speaks for the CPA's Ministry of Electricity in Baghdad, calls the suspensions temporary. - Reporter-s Notebook: Latin America Losing Faith in Democracy
American presidents have applauded -the spread of democracy- in Latin America, even though what looks like political liberation hasn't always produced economic improvement or social justice. Now, a massive UN study reveals that Latin Americans are losing faith in democracy. Hector Tobar, Buenos Aires Bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, says many of those polled would support a return to authoritarianism.
Associated Press article on Siemens, GE halting work in Iraq
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
UN Development Program's report on democracy in Latin America
State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
Tobar's article on Latin America's frustration with democracy