'Petraeus touches down in a Blackhawk military helicopter in a cloud of dust, and hustles across the landing strip for an inspection tour. Arms bent at the elbows and swinging forward and back, nine-millimeter pistol fitted snugly in a black leather holster strapped to his thigh, the 50-year-old commander is a picture of jaunty confidence as he sweeps past welcoming U.S. soldiers toward a gravel parade ground.He got his hands on $32 million in cash confiscated by the Coalition Provisional Authority from Hussein’s palaces. Petraeus earmarked the money for thousands of projects, including the reconstruction of Mosul University, irrigation schemes, the refurbishment of several idle asphalt plants, and a cash-for-electricity deal with Turkey that helped bring Mosul round-the-clock power. After Bremer disbanded the Iraqi army Petraeus set up a monthly stipend for 25,000 ex-soldiers, and thus helped keep frustration from boiling over into violence.'
Comments (2)
BAGHDAD CENTRAL
Things are going to get worse before they get even worst. Good that there isn't any American casualties.
Missed project?
'Petraeus touches down in a Blackhawk military helicopter in a cloud of dust, and hustles across the landing strip for an inspection tour. Arms bent at the elbows and swinging forward and back, nine-millimeter pistol fitted snugly in a black leather holster strapped to his thigh, the 50-year-old commander is a picture of jaunty confidence as he sweeps past welcoming U.S. soldiers toward a gravel parade ground.He got his hands on $32 million in cash confiscated by the Coalition Provisional Authority from Hussein’s palaces. Petraeus earmarked the money for thousands of projects, including the reconstruction of Mosul University, irrigation schemes, the refurbishment of several idle asphalt plants, and a cash-for-electricity deal with Turkey that helped bring Mosul round-the-clock power. After Bremer disbanded the Iraqi army Petraeus set up a monthly stipend for 25,000 ex-soldiers, and thus helped keep frustration from boiling over into violence.'