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US Abandons its "Marshall Plan" for Iraq

The US has committed some US $18.6 billion toward the reconstruction of Iraq. Further funding is to now cease. The US expects the Iraqis to look after re-construction themselves and private investment to assist too.

It's seems like a find hope and has all the hallmarks of "cutting and running" - something Bush, Blair and Howard have vowed they would not do. So, the poor Iraqis are to be left to 4 hours electricity per day and in stifling conditions a severe lack of air-conditioning. Roads are in urgent need of repair. And that's only the beginning of it.

The whole sorry mess - described as a "shambles" - is detailed in this article in the LA Times.

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