Are allies participating in the reconstruction of Iraq?
A11. Yes, but a qualified yes. In December 2003, the Pentagon issued a list of 63 countries eligible to bid on the 26 major reconstruction contracts. But it also barred a number of important countries notably France, Germany, Russia, and Canada who had opposed the invasion and refused to send troops to assist in security. That the exclusions were punitive measures became clear when Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz issued a directive stating: It is necessary for the protection of the essential security interests of the United States to limit competition for the prime contracts for these procurements….An unsuccessful reconstruction effort would have serious negative effects on the ultimate success of the war effort….Limiting competition for prime contracts will encourage the expansion of international cooperation in Iraq and in future efforts. Among countries with troops in Iraq, Japan and South Korea have large contingents whose mission is reconstituting vital infrastructu
