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Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: lurqer who wrote (29278)	10/1/2003 8:16:49 PM
From: Rascal	Respond to of 89467

I doubt Bush knows anything about anything. According to the Fox Interview he gave Brit Hume he doesn't even read the papers. I hope it isn't somebody in his bible study group. Rascal @ItIsSomebodyInCommunications.com

To: lurqer who wrote (29278)	10/1/2003 8:29:55 PM
From: lurqer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 89467

Now we know what is wanted (and besides troops, what is driving the push to get a UN resolution), but what will be forthcoming? UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Governments attending an international donors conference later this month in Madrid will be asked to pitch in $35 billion over the next four years to help rebuild Iraq, U.N. sources said on Wednesday. The figure is based on a needs assessment prepared by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations in preparation for the Oct. 23-24 conference, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The assessment is expected to be unveiled privately in Madrid on Thursday at a meeting of governments and international agencies preparing for the donors meeting. The assessment puts total reconstruction needs for the oil-rich but war-ravaged nation at roughly $55 billion from 2004 through 2007, not including security needs. But the United States has said it will contribute $20 billion toward rebuilding, leaving any other nations that may be willing to help to come up with $35 billion. However, the conference is expected to get actual pledges of far less -- perhaps as little as $1 billion to $2 billion. from asia.reuters.com An indication may be given by The European Commission defended its proposed aid pledge for Iraq on Wednesday as "no drop in the ocean", arguing there was a limit to both its own funds and the country's immediate ability to absorb external finance. Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten poured scorn on comparison between the European Union executive's offer of 200 million euros ($234 million) for up to the end of 2004 with suggestions that Iraq needs tens of billions of dollars. from alertnet.org Both a desire for a lack of scrutiny, and to get the US on record for $20 billion, is behind the push in congress to get quick approval by Friday. JMO lurqer