Not that the facts will bother the left wing shrieking loonies, but the whole deal is legit. http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/news/opeds/2003/kelman_cronyism_iraq_wp_11003.htmbb
link doesn't work. Found the article though. I'm a dem, but hearing liberals and democrats complain about Halliburton is beyond frustrating. It's embarrassing. Halliburton is unique in its industry in that it has expertise in plant design (Kellogg), plant construction(B&R), OF services and plant maintenence/repair(Halliburton's original expretise), as well the technical ability and resources to operate the facilities. You will find plenty of companies that can compete in any one of the four categories. A handful that could compete in two. Not one American company not named Halliburton could handle a project that potentially included completely rebuilding Iraq's petroleum and power industries. Hell, I can't think of an international company that would come close either. I was also frustrated at the negative pub Halliburton got a month or two ago concerning the delivered price of gas (delivered to baghdad)they had purchased. Any one with a shred of familiarity w/ the bulk trucking industry and the equipment market in Kuwait could have told you that the price was legit.