Reconstruction of Iraq
The Reconstruction of Iraq began shortly after US President Bush announced the end of major combat operations in the 2003 Iraq War that forced Saddam Hussein out of power. The aim of reconstruction has been to complete regime change from dictatorship to democracy.As of April 2004, according to the Associated Press (AP), conditions for Iraqis were still gradually improving despite widespread distrust of Americans. Some in the international community have expressed frustration of the Pentagon's refusal to award contracts to nations that opposed the war. [1]
- Electricity: AP says that electrical power generation and distribution, curtailed due to combat operations and sabotage, has been restored to above prewar levels.
- Food: The World Food Program says that almost all Iraqis have been receiving enough food since June 2003, since the US-led coalition took over the corrupt oil for food program from the United Nations. The coalition is slated to bow out in June 2004.
- Water: Although the water supply has reached prewar levels in some provinces, aging and poorly maintained equipment combined with looting and vandalism leaves the drinking water system substandard.
- Sewage: Untreated waste is polluting the Euphrates River, and many treatment plants require repair.
- Schools: Teachers are earning more than 10 times their prewar salaries, according to AP, and almost all schools have reopened -- including all 22 universities.
- Jobs: Many Iraqis were left jobless by the collapse of the old government and by the war. An American public works program was created to provide new jobs, and there are projects to attract foreign investment and to encourage local business development.
- Oil: In the wake of significant efforts by Saddam's men to sabotage oil facilities, production still lags behind prewar levels. Repair contracts have been awarded to a Halliburton subsidiary, which is controversial due to suspicions over its previous ties with US Vice President Dick Cheney. Refusing to profit from the war, the US "is counting on oil revenuse to help pay for reconstruction of the country." (AP)
- Government: The United States assembled a 25-member council, subordinate to civilian administrator Paul Bremer to reflect the country's ethnic and religious diversity (see Iraqi Governing Council). On June 30, 2004 Iraq is slated for completed independence.
- Army: One newly formed Iraqi battalion is on duty, with 27 scheduled for activation by summer 2004. Eligibility is denied to men over 40 or who served as colonels or generals under Saddam.
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