Siemens and GE halt Iraq work

[PfcHammer]

http://www.iht.com/articles/516415.html

Siemens and GE halt Iraq work
James Glanz/NYT Thursday, April 22, 2004

Rebuilding slowed by the insurgency

The insurgency in Iraq has driven two major contractors, General Electric and Siemens, to suspend most of their operations there, raising new doubts about the American-led effort to rebuild the country while hostilities continue.

Spokesmen for the contractors declined to discuss their operations in Iraq, but the shutdowns were confirmed by officials at the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, the Coalition Provisional Authority and by companies working with GE and Siemens in Iraq.

"Between the GE lockdown and the inability to get materials moved up the major supply routes, about everything is being affected in one way or another," said Jim Hicks, a senior adviser for electricity at the coalition authority.

The suspensions and travel restrictions are delaying work on about two dozen power plants as occupying forces press to meet an expected surge in demand for electricity before summer. Hicks said plants that had been expected to produce power by late April or early May might not be operating until June 1. "While it's being affected, it's not shutting down," he said of the work. "I think we're still in good shape as far as getting our equipment back up before the summer really hits us."

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[ewagner]

1. GE Out?

That should piss off NBC and MSRNC....

Maybe they'll engage in a little Dubya Bashing?

[Misunderestimator]

3. That would be interesting... However...

GE still has a major interest in the war without being in Iraq physically. I don't think they're making a political decision... it's just business. NBC will tow the party (GE) line as always.

[Joanne98]

2. NBC is making money off the war. DISGUSTING

we need a separation of media and state.

[Moderator]

4. duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=502605