Why the need for security clearances?
The government was in something of a bind. It began accepting bids in February, before hostilities broke out. If word had leaked out that the U.S. was accepting proposals to rebuild Iraq before the war began, that could have undermined efforts to find a diplomatic solution. The U.S. did not want countries opposed to war, such as France, Germany and Russia, to conclude that military force was a fait accompli. So bids were sought from a limited number of companies with security clearances because they were thought to be able to keep the process confidential. Why didn’t USAID wait until the war ended? That would have been too late. By having contractors at the ready, the U.S. can now pump billions of dollars into the shattered Iraq economy within months. And since Bechtel must hire Iraqi subcontractors and employees whenever possible, the U.S. can help jump-start the economy by creating thousands of jobs. Just how lucrative are the Halliburton and Bechtel awards? Getting the first contrac
