Some Iraqis say Bush money request doesn't address needs

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2003-09-29-iraqis-bush-request_x.htm

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Spending $500,000 for a memorial and museum dedicated to remembering the victims of Saddam Hussein's notorious Abu Ghraib prison is misguided, says Ahmed Mohammed Ali, 38, a car dealer. "OK, garbage collection I can understand, but statues?" he says. "After Saddam (Hussein), we're fed up with statues."

There's an additional $50,000 the administration is requesting to build a monument or hold a conference to tell the world about past atrocities against Iraqi athletes. Saddam's older son, Uday, headed the National Iraqi Olympic Committee and was known for jailing and beating athletes who turned in what he considered sub-par performances.

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The Iraqis who were questioned expressed surprise that such a huge sum of money was requested for so many items when many of the basics have not been fixed. Iraqis have been frustrated by the slow pace of reconstruction. Only partial electricity service has been restored to most of the country, and crime and security remain a problem.

"If they want to do something significant with the money, they should start with electricity and security," says Mohammed Basim Al-Mossoy, who owns an electronics shop in Baghdad.

"America is using this money to repair mistakes it made," Fadil Abbras Al Hassan, a judge, says as he sips tea and discusses the issue with friends. "If the United States had protected the ministry buildings and banks at the start of the war, there would be no need for most of this money."

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Hey, guys. It's only money...