POLITICS: Occupation Authority Loses Billions

A scathing report released by the inspector general for Iraq reconstruction says that the Occupation Authority "was unable to keep track" of nearly $9 billion it transferred to Iraqi government ministries from October 2003 to June 2004. According to the report there was a huge lack of oversight and control. At one point it was recommended that payrolls be verified before payments, but the CPA decided it would be better to overpay than risk inciting violence.



L. Paul Bremer, the former head of the Occupation Authority disputes the claims in this report:

the report had "many misconceptions and inaccuracies," and lacked professional judgment...

..."assumes that western-style budgeting and accounting procedures could be immediately and fully implemented in the midst of a war".

One would think that it would be hard to keep track of money with infrastructure in shambles, but $9 billion is a bit much to "misplace". Our tax money at work, huh?

Former Presidential Candidate and Congressman from Ohio, Dennis Kucinich, is demanding a thorough investigation into the matter:

Common Dreams
"It is simply not believable that the Administration lost track of every dime of the funds. The Administration willfully turned a blind eye and allowed the misuse of funds, and now must be held accountable,"

Related News Links:
www.islamonline.org
www.foxnews.com
www.hindustantimes.com

[edit on (2/1/0505 by PistolPete]

Apparently the intent is to blame the corrupt Iraqis and compare the situation to the "oil for food scandal."

More of the same irresponsibility and shifting of blame.



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Pete, I beat ya to it by s few days:

www.abovetopsecret.com...