U.S. Encourages Israelis To Invest In Iraq - I thought Iraq and Israel were technically still at war

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006756837

U.S. Encourages Israelis To Invest In Iraq

March 15, 2007 5:09 p.m. EST

Ryan R. Jones - All Headline News Middle East Correspondent

Jerusalem, Israel (AHN) - Despite the glaring absence of diplomatic relations, an American defense official on Thursday called on Israeli investors to pour money into a ravaged Iraqi economy that nevertheless holds many opportunities.

The somewhat surprising invitation was made by U.S. Deputy Under-Secretary of Defense for Business Transformation Paul Brinkley. It was certain to not sit well with many in the audience at a business conference in Dubai.

"Israeli business people...we would encourage them to come," Brinkley was quoted as saying by the AP, who is particularly interested in rehabilitating the economy in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq, an area where Israel is believed to maintain many friendly ties.

[Kagemusha]

1. They are, and the Maliki govt has pledged not to change that

That is why the invitation is "somewhat surprising".

[madrchsod]

2. that will go over great in iraq

and the rest of the arab world...

[KG]

3. the iraq war is about profits, not terror, so why let ideology stand in the way

of making a few bucks?

[aquart]

4. As insane ideas go, this one is a doozy.