No, this is not about Halliburton, but this is pretty strong evidence of favoritism in handing out reconstruction contracts.
Poland, Spain Up in Arms Over Loss of Iraq Contract
The allies ask why their weapons suppliers were passed over for an inexperienced U.S. firm.
By T. Christian Miller, Times Staff Writer
WASHINGTON The award of a major contract to equip the new Iraqi army has triggered an uproar in staunch U.S. allies Poland and Spain, where officials are questioning why their nations' experienced arms firms lost out to an American company with little history in such projects.
The $327-million contract to supply everything from canteens to AK-47s was awarded in January to Nour USA, a Virginia-based company whose president is A. Huda Farouki. Farouki is a close friend of Ahmad Chalabi, a controversial member of the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council who has close ties with some Pentagon officials.
The winning bid was so much lower than those by the Polish and Spanish firms both for more than $500 million that officials from the two nations have questioned Nour USA's ability to make good on the contract. Nour USA, formed in May, has no experience in supplying weapons, although it has supplied vehicles and communications equipment in Iraq. (continued at link, registration may be required)
Poland, Spain Up in Arms Over Loss of Iraq Contract
By T. Christian Miller, Times Staff Writer
WASHINGTON The award of a major contract to equip the new Iraqi army has triggered an uproar in staunch U.S. allies Poland and Spain, where officials are questioning why their nations' experienced arms firms lost out to an American company with little history in such projects.
The $327-million contract to supply everything from canteens to AK-47s was awarded in January to Nour USA, a Virginia-based company whose president is A. Huda Farouki. Farouki is a close friend of Ahmad Chalabi, a controversial member of the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council who has close ties with some Pentagon officials.
The winning bid was so much lower than those by the Polish and Spanish firms both for more than $500 million that officials from the two nations have questioned Nour USA's ability to make good on the contract. Nour USA, formed in May, has no experience in supplying weapons, although it has supplied vehicles and communications equipment in Iraq. (continued at link, registration may be required)
