Scottish Sunday: Carving Up The New Iraq - A Scottish Sunday Investigation

Introduction

Iraq lies in ruins this morning. Its cities are bombed; its buildings have been torched by teenage arsonists; its shops, hospitals, factories, and homes have been looted. This is Year Zero for Iraq. The old regime is gone and the United States is to rebuild this country literally from the ground up.

The Reconstruction Plan

Since the beginning of the year, America has had its reconstruction plan in place. Answering directly to Centcom commander General Tommy Franks, retired Lt Gen Jay Garner will be in command of the reconstruction effort. He will be aided by a series of military hardmen, diplomats, and Republican party place-men who will help the United States create "Free Iraq" - aided by exiles who are returning to get their share of the spoils.

Underlying Motives

This isn't a selfless exercise. In a special Scottish Sunday investigation, we have charted the network of financial kickbacks, political pay-backs, cronyism, self-interest, and ferocious ideology that underpins the entire reconstruction scheme. The US denies that men like Jay Garner are, in effect, the first wave of a military occupation. The Bush administration insists that it wants these men to work their way out of a job as quickly as possible.

The Role of Big Business

Ideology is ideology, but in the US government, political theory goes hand-in-hand with big business. The end result of the lofty musings of Republican hawks fashioning the concepts behind the new world order is money-grubbing for the yankee dollar. Each and every one of the companies in the running or in possession of contracts to reconstruct Iraq are either major Republican donors or have government staff working for them. The connections between the reconstructors are staggering.

The Neo-Conservatives

The neo-conservatives, led by figures like Paul Wolfowitz and Lewis Libby, were the key architects of the post-war reconstruction of Iraq. These men see the US military as the "cavalry on the new American frontier" and have long dreamt of a permanent US satellite in the Gulf. Their connections to big business and political power raise important questions about the levels of self-interest and impartiality behind the rebuilding of Iraq.

The Military's Role

The military leaders, including Lt Gen Jay Garner and his deputy Lt Gen Ron Adams, have been hand-picked by prominent figures within the Pentagon. While their goal is to rebuild Iraq, some question whether their presence indicates a military occupation rather than a selfless reconstruction effort. Their connections to politicians and influential think-tanks further fuel speculation about ulterior motives.

The Conquest by Big Business

While Iraq may be free of Saddam, it looks like it's going to be the most lucrative country on Earth for the foreseeable future - at least for US hawks anyway. The involvement of major companies, many of which have ties to the Republican party, raises concerns about the influence of big business on the reconstruction effort. The vast wealth that will be generated in the process raises questions about the true motives behind the rebuilding of Iraq.

Hotels in Post-War Iraq

Amidst the chaos and destruction, one sector that is likely to witness a significant boom in post-war Iraq is the hotel industry. As the country rebuilds and attracts foreign investment, hotels will play a vital role in accommodating international businessmen, diplomats, and tourists. While the exact landscape of the hotel industry in Iraq remains uncertain, there are already indications of interest from major hotel chains.

Reputable international hotel brands are expected to vie for the opportunity to establish a presence in the new Iraq. These hotels will not only provide comfortable accommodations for foreign visitors but also contribute to the economic development of the country. The successful construction and operation of hotels in post-war Iraq will require collaboration between international hospitality experts and local stakeholders.

Despite the challenges posed by the current situation in Iraq, the potential for growth in the hotel sector is considerable. The reconstruction efforts will create a demand for both short-term and long-term accommodations, as foreign workers and investors flock to the country. Additionally, as stability and security improve, Iraq may attract leisure travelers eager to explore its rich history and cultural heritage.

While concerns about the motives behind the general reconstruction effort in Iraq persist, the growth of the hotel industry can bring positive economic and social impacts to the country. By providing employment opportunities and boosting tourism, hotels can contribute to the rebuilding of Iraq's economy and stand as symbols of hope for a brighter future.