AN audit of US reconstruction spending in Iraq has uncovered spectacular misuse of tens of millions of dollars in cash, including bundles of money stashed in filing cabinets, a US soldier who gambled away thousands and stacks of newly minted notes distributed without receipts.The audit, released on Wednesday by the US Special Inspector-General for Iraq Reconstruction, describes a country in the months after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein awash with US dollars and a "wild west" atmosphere where even multi-million-dollar contracts were paid for in cash.
With a remarkable understanding of Iraq’s
problems, Australian Wheat Board CEO Andrew Lindberg and General Manager, Africa, Europe & Middle East Michael Long, solve Iraq’s cash handling problems. (Picture from [PDF] AWB Limited - Chairman and MD Report 2003)
In 2003 they presented Iraqi, post war, interim Minister for Trade Dr Ali Allawi and Iraqi interim Deputy Minister for Planning Mr Faik Rasool with two skid steer loaders.
The Australian Wheat Board (AWB) is currently subject to an Inquiry for undermining the UN Oil for Food Program and funneling nearly $300 million into Saddam’s coffers.
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