Will US Fulfill Commitment to Rebuild Iraq?

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America's pre-war promise to rebuild Iraq is a case of easier said than done. Billions of US and Iraqi dollars have been spent, but crucial projects remain incomplete, in part because of sabotage and sectarian violence. There's also a story of waste and corruption. The Army Corps of Engineers says it's looking for emergency money from the US military and foreign donors. This week, the Washington Post reported that just 20 of 142 primary health centers will be completed, after two years and $200 million. The World Health Organization says that's a "shocking" development that will have an impact on the expectations of Iraqis and their trust in the future. (An extended version of this discussion originally aired earlier today on To the Point.)Making News: Westly and Angelides Debate Publicly for First TimeIn Sacramento today, State Treasurer Phil Angelides and Controller Steve Westly held their first debate in the studios of Univision TV. They are the Democratic contenders to run against Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in November. Recent polls show them virtually tied as the June primary approaches. Bill Bradley is a political consultant, publisher of New West Notes on the Internet and political writer for the LA Weekly.
America's pre-war promise to rebuild Iraq is a case of easier said than done. Billions of US and Iraqi dollars have been spent, but crucial projects remain incomplete, in part because of sabotage and sectarian violence. There's also a story of waste and corruption. The Army Corps of Engineers says it's looking for emergency money from the US military and foreign donors. This week, the Washington Post reported that just 20 of 142 primary health centers will be completed, after two years and $200 million. The World Health Organization says that's a "shocking" development that will have an impact on the expectations of Iraqis and their trust in the future. (An extended version of this discussion originally aired earlier today on To the Point.)
  • Making News: Westly and Angelides Debate Publicly for First Time
    In Sacramento today, State Treasurer Phil Angelides and Controller Steve Westly held their first debate in the studios of Univision TV. They are the Democratic contenders to run against Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in November. Recent polls show them virtually tied as the June primary approaches. Bill Bradley is a political consultant, publisher of New West Notes on the Internet and political writer for the LA Weekly.

Angelides' gubernatorial campaign

Westly's gubernatorial campaign

Bradley on Westly-Angelides debate

Iraq reconstruction, US AID on

Parsons (Engineering and Construction)

Halliburton/Kellogg Brown and Root

Washington Post article on failure to complete Iraqi health clinics

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney

Producer:

Frances Anderton