Firms Vow to Stay in Iraq (Bechtel)

[leftchick]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3224569.stm

<snip>
Mr Canavan said that Bechtel would continue to liaise closely with the military and the Coalition Provisional Authority on the security situation, and "make adjustments as necessary".

He also said that the company was "heartened" by the increased aid commitments announced at the Madrid donors summit - which were in accord with Bechtel's estimates of the huge size of the remaining task of reconstruction.

Bechtel already employs a British private security firm to ensure the safety of its employees.

According to Bechtel's Iraq project manager Cliff Mumm, security measures already in place include closely guarded compounds where employees live and work, travel only in convoy with armed guards in the cities, and flights by helicopter whenever possible around the country.

[theivoryqueen]

1. Big Corporations vow to stay

even as non-profit relief organizations are being chased out. How much will THIS cost us???

[w4rma]

2. A whole lot of money to be made off of U.S. tax payers there. (n/t)

[arcane1]

3. hell yes they're staying, they were the whole REASON for going!

bastards, I BET they're "heartened" by that aid $$

:grr:

[neverforget]

4. As long as Congress keeps writing checks, of course they'll

stay. No bid contracts make for easy money.
:grr: :argh: :grr: :argh: :grr: :argh: :grr: :argh: :grr: :argh: :grr: :argh:

[fizzana]

5. We're staying - we just love those cost plus contracts

Insurance costs go up - no problem - we just bill even more at cost plus.

Security costs go up - no problem
Transport costs go up - no problem

The worse the situation is in Iraq, the more money these companies make. Just bill the taxpayer.

[underpants]

7. I *sniff* must say I am "heartened" by their commitment

to huge profits and price gouging of the American AND world citizens. What standup guys they are.

[PapaClay]

6. Which is the equivalent of saying, "bring 'em on!"

Wouldn't be surprised if the insurgents decide to throw a few "flowers" their way.