No Military Solution, Halliburton and Gonzales

Top US General Repeats: No Military Solution in Iraq
General Petraeus repeated observations by previous commanders that there is "no military solution" to the crisis situation in Iraq. The only long-run success, he said, will come after "reconciling differences with some of those who have felt that the new Iraq did not have a place for them."

Halliburton Headquarters Moves to Dubai
Halliburton is planning to move its head quarters to the United Arab Emirate nation of Dubai. This would make one of the largest and most scandal ridden US military contractors in Iraq a non-US based company. Halliburton has taken over many of the job functions of the US Army and is doing those jobs at outrageous fees to the American people. Many billions of dollars in no bid contracts and significant overcharges have been challenged throughout the course of the US war in Iraq.
Listen to the story on NPR
Read the Huffington Post's take on Halliburton


The topic of war profiteering will be covered during the teach-in event GLNAWI is hosting this Sunday March 18th from 2-5pm, "Out of Iraq: Voices of Experience". The film Iraq for Sale will also be shown later that evening from 7-9pm which also highlights concerns of war profiteering and civilian contractor work in Iraq. (See the GLNAWI website for details of the event)

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Pressured to Resign
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is under fire from a large block of Democratic Senators who are calling for his resignation in light of what has become widespread misuse of the U.S PATRIOT act. (see GLNAWI’s position on the US PATRIOT ACT). The report, carried out by the Justice Department Inspector General has shown a deeply troubling number of instances where the personal information including financial records and profile data has been illegally granted under Mr. Gonzales' term as head of the Justice Department. (the full report is available off the DOJ Inspector General website)

While it is relieving to see this level of scrutiny after such an extended unchecked reign, it is troubling that outcry among congressional leaders is only emerging now. Mr. Gonzales has been at the heart of countless scandal producing investigations including a long history of policies encouraging the use of torture. These policies have been identified as a major contributor toward damaging United States credibility in the war on terror. This loss in credibility no doubt leaves the U.S. almost universally viewed as occupiers in Iraq. There has been a long standing effort by GLNAWI to raise concerns regarding these policies of torture and GLNAWI will likely continue these efforts as long as policy makers such as Mr. Gonzales insist on the use of morally degrading treatment and the destruction of civil liberties. (see GLNAWI’s position on the Military Commissions Act)

Posted at Monday, March 12, 2007
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