MARCH, 2004

March 31
Halliburton's Iraq contracts bring profits, headaches
Marin Independent Journal

Iraq Rebuilding Plan Reviewed
Washington Post (free registration required)

Assets of Saddam, 3,000 other ex-Iraqi officials frozen
News International

Disputes over ownership fuel Iraq tensions
FT

Russia keen to improve bilateral relations with Iraq
MENAFN

Talabani: Kirkuk sacred for Kurds
UPI

No Clear Favorite for Top U.S. Job in Iraq
New York Times

From Boeing to Baghdad?
FT

Winners, losers in Iraq's job market
Aljazeera

Iraqi intellectuals flee 'death squads'
Aljazeera

Iraq diary: Justice system
BBC

Profile: Marek Belka
BBC

Chalabi poised to lead Iraq
Washington Times

Jobless Iraqis clash with police, Spanish troops
Middle East Online

March 30
U.S. Chief Iraq Administrator Announces Creation of 50,000 Jobs
DPA

Focus on Halliburton obscures deeper problems
FT

Details of independent probe into UN Oil-for-Food programme sent to Security Council
UN

Her war-zone mission: revive Iraq stock exchange
Knight Ridder

U.S.-Funded Projects to Propel Iraqi Economic Renaissance
US Department of Defense press release

Germany-France agree to seek Iraq debt write-off
Gulf Daily News

Russia wants own debt restructured for easing Iraq debt – senator
Interfax

UN team pursues talks in Baghdad
AFP

Thousands voice anger after US gags Shiite paper
Sydney Morning Herald

Iraq creating elections from scratch
AP

Five Penalized by U.N. Chief in Iraq Bombing
New York Times

March 29
Iraq's Odious Debt: Where Do We Go from Here?
Middle East Economic Survey

Federal auditors on the trail of wasteful spending in Iraq
Knight Ridder

Questions raised about ethics of Iraq contract
Knight Ridder

Annan unveils mandate for oil-for-food investigation
Aljazeera

AMEC wins major contracts in Iraq
Process & Control Today

Iraq economy shakes off the shackles of Saddam
USA Today

Occupiers Spend Millions on Private Army of Security Men
Independent

Iraq's agitated rebirth
Knight Ridder

$900m Iraq defence facilities deal awarded
Trade Arabia

Arabs Blame Leaders for Delay of Summit
AP

U.N. Powers Mulling Security Force for Iraq - Annan
Reuters

Shiites protest closure of Iraqi newspaper
New York Times

Iraqi women find no end to their suffering
Independent

Sistani May Issue Edict Against Iraq Power Transfer
Reuters

Baghdad chamber seeks to boost trade
Gulf News

Paris, Berlin seek 50% Iraq debt writeoff – sources
Reuters

Iraqi leaders meet with UN team over sovereignty amid persistent violence
AFP

March 26
US military 'cut corners' on Iraq contracts
FT

US government awards Lucent $75m Iraq contract
CNET

Pentagon awards Iraq construction contract
AFP

Rebels blow up northern Iraq oil well
AP

U.S. Officials Fashion Legal Basis to Keep Force in Iraq
New York Times

US loses out in Iraq wheat tussle
BBC

Aussies win most of final UN wheat contract for Iraq
AP

14 'enduring bases' set in Iraq
Chicago Tribune

US sends specialists to Ukraine to prepare to Iraq restoration tenders
Itar-Tass

UN knew of kickbacks in Iraq's oil-for-food programme
FT

Western companies said to fuel corruption abroad
Reuters

Private army to guard Iraq's oil
ABC

Iraq sabotage worries prop up oil prices
Middle East Online

Iraq south oil pipeline on fire after sabotage - guards
Reuters

Soldiers in Iraq still buying their own body armor
AP

President Hu Meets Iraqi Governing Council President
Xinhua

March 25
Early Pentagon contracts in Iraq were badly done, report says
Knight Ridder

At Iraqi Port, Progress Is Matter of Perception
Washington Post (free registration required)

Damage keeps Iraqi oil flow low: Finishing repairs will take months
Reuters

Bremer seeks to cement Iraq measures
FT

Report rips SAIC over Iraq contracts
San Diego Union Tribune

Fatal flaws in Iraqi constitution
Foreign Policy in Focus

Egypt's OCI details Iraq contract award
Reuters

Bremer takes stock, cites U.S. successes
Seattle Times

Fluor-Amec Iraq water contracts win boosts UK Amec
Reuters

U.S. Calls for Sunni and Kurdish Rights After Turnover
New York Times

U.S. Overseer Cites Gains in Iraq
Washington Post (free registration required)

Bremer to set up new Iraq defence ministry
Reuters

Iraq looking for aid in oil, gas production
Japan Times

Iraqi Council President meets Jintao
AP

Landmine charity MAG clears over one million mines and bombs in Iraq since the war and says the work must continue
Mines Advisory Group press release

March 23
Investors have mixed views on rebuilding Iraq – Bahrain
Daily Star

New Iraqi Gulf terminal off to sluggish start
Reuters

Venture wins $1.2bn Iraq construction work
Reuters

NGO helps to rebuild bee-keeping business in north
IRIN

Shiite Cleric Threatens to Shun U.N. Envoys in Iraq
Washington Post (free registration required)

U.S. Team in Baghdad Fights a Persistent Enemy: Rumors
New York Times

A Baghdad boom: No, not bombs — Iraqi business is starting to take off
Knight Ridder

US Encourages Small, Medium Sized US Businesses to Help Rebuild Iraq
VOA

Oil for Food: Annan Seeks to Blunt Allegations
New York Times

Iraq: Foreign firms 'still wary' of investment
Monday Morning

Coalition Provisional Authority Briefing
US Department of Defense Transcript

Counterpoint: Iraq needs major concessions
Gulf News

Iraqi governing council president to visit China
People's Daily

Hundreds of detainees in Iraq freed
Aljazeera

Aid agencies scramble to deal with influx of refugees from Iran
IRIN

March 22
U.S. forces complain of equipment delays
New York Times

Preparing to power a charged Iraqi economy
FT

Iraq seeks UN resolution on power transfer
News International

Iraq Struggles With Water Pumps Needed to Revive Oil
Bloomberg

Bremer Pushes Iraq on Difficult Path to Self-Rule
New York Times

Iraq contract goes to Hyundai
Joong Ang Daily

Iraqi Militias Near Accord To Disband
Washington Post (free registration required)

federal contracts: ASRC Airfield & Range Services Inc
State News Service (free registration required)

Digging deeper into the scandalous Oil-for-Food program
National Review Online

Saddam Took $10 billion from UN Oil Program
Globalvision News Network

Iraq's Sistani warns UN not to back constitution
Reuters

U.S. will retain power in sovereign Iraq
AP

Iraq Governing Council head to visit
Japan Times

U.S. soldiers find themselves cast as 'guardians of Iraqi oil'
Plain Dealer

UN To Investigate Iraqi Oil Programme
Shortnews

March 19
U.S. Moves To Seize More Iraqi Assets
IPS

GAO: Iraq Oil Program Profits Understated
Washington Post (free registration required)

Reconstruction of Iraq poised to rev up
Gulf News

Donors to hold second meeting in Qatar
Gulf News

Halliburton CEO Says Firm Saves Money for Pentagon
USA Today

Firm seeks broadcasters for Iraq training program
IJnet

Polish leader changes tune about involvement in Iraq
AP

Iraq's telecommunications sector set to be region's best
Daily Star

Iraqi minister applauds Viet Nam for its role in reconstruction
Vietnam News Agency

S. Korea Balks at Northern Iraq Mission
AP

Oil-for-food 'made Saddam $10bn'
BBC

Iraqi reporters walk out of Powell briefing
Reuters

Iraq asks Annan to help with elections
FT

UN to send team to Iraq 'as soon as practicable'
FT

New UN resolution on Iraq could satisfy Zapatero's troops pledge
FT

March 18
The Pentagon connections
Herald Tribune

KBR Told to Conform to Federal Billing Rule
Washington Post (free registration required)

Contracts will be honored in rebuilt Iraq
Daily Star

Security in Iraq shifts to private companies
Washington Post

Department of Commerce Briefings on Iraq in 12 U.S. Cities
US Department of Commerce

Iraqi Reconstruction Contracts Awarded
US Department of Defense

Ministry of Trade Revises Registration Rules for Domestic Companies
US Department of Commerce

UN probe into Saddam's millions
PTI

Iraq's future undecided
BBC

Iraq resolution creates furor in House
AP

GVF and Iraq Telecom Discuss Access to Iraq
Voice & Data

Hardship and hope
Newsday

Bremer promises: Saddam to be tried by Iraqis
IRNA

Iraq: Citizens keen to learn more about interim constitution
IRIN

Learning the hard way not to fight alone
FT

March 17
Annan: UN group is investigating
AP

2 Kuwaiti Firms Win New Iraq Fuel Deals
Washington Post (free registration required)

Missing elements in Iraq's constitution
LA Times

Iraq forum invite to private sector
Gulf Daily News

Business delegations from 24 countries to discuss new phase of Iraq reconstruction
AMEinfo

Defense agency hires contractor dumped by corps
Houston Chronicle

Iraqi Business Begins to Boom
Knight Ridder

Shia still see UN role in Iraq, says Brahimi
Reuters

Iraqi Cleric Is Wild Card for Washington
AP

For Iraqis in Harm's Way, $5,000 and 'I'm Sorry'
Knight Ridder

Bush warms to new UN resolution on Iraq
Guardian

Iraq: Continued Ban Forced Refugee Repatriations
Scoop

Iraqis brace for long struggle to shape future
Washington Times

Shiite Leader in Iraq Wants Help of U.N., Envoy Says
Washington Post (free registration required)

March 16
Iraq appoints Ernst & Young on tracing debt-source
Reuters

WGI lands another contract in Iraq
Idaho Statesman

Va. Company Protests Army's Cancellation of Iraq Contract
Washington Post (free registration required)

U.N. set to probe fraud allegations in Iraq program
Reuters

Iraq, a land of wealth, once again in the crosshairs of greed and history
Daily Star

Despite many obstacles, Iraqi business is 'booming'
Knight Ridder

What Iraqis fear most -- sectarian violence
San Francisco Chronicle

Small Businesses Need Not Apply
In These Times

Black & Veatch shares two contracts for Iraq work
American City Business Journals

Survey finds hope in occupied Iraq
BBC

Kurds say they deserve more rights, land, autonomy
Washington Times

March 15
World Bank predicts Iraq will lead world in economic growth
AsiaNews

Iraq Governing Council squabbles on UN role
AFP

Oil begins to flow through Iraq-Turkey pipeline
NTVMSNBC

Inflation threat adds to fears for Iraq recovery
Observer

Spain Likely to Pull Troops From Iraq
Washington Post (free registration required)

U.S. rice growers want preference on sales to Iraq
AP

Inside Iraq, grandeur remains, but greed gone
Dayton Daily News

Federal contracts
States News Service

Iraq 'Open for Business' with UK
PA News

Spotlight on Iraq No Worry for Halliburton CEO
Knight Ridder

Politician killed in northern Iraq; Iran denies border clash with US troops
AP

No part of LUKoil in oil development in Iraq discussed in Baghdad
ITAR-TASS

Iraq needs two million houses to ease housing crisis
Reuters

Iraq: Aid agencies maintain low profile
IRIN

IFC plans to venture into Iraq by June this year
Khaleej Times

March 12
Halliburton admitted giving faulty cost estimates in $2.7B Iraq contract
Canadian Press

Halliburton Contracts Focus of Hearing
LA Times

Firms Awarded Iraq Pacts Tied to D.C.
AP

Audit finds flaws in army deals
Reuters

UK firm wins big Iraq contract
The Guardian

Pentagon awards 1.1 billion dollars in Iraq contracts to US, UK firms
Channel News Asia

Overseers of defense contracts vow to get tough on Halliburton
Knight Ridder

March 11
Pentagon auditors said to find faults in Halliburton's cost estimates for Iraq contracts
AP

Foster wheeler wins iraq oil deal
Reading Evening Post

LUKoil signs memorandum agreement with Iraq
Middle East Online

Amec eyes Iraq work
Reuters

Iraq’s upstream development: a look ahead
Daily Star

Iraqi group shares info for a price
AZ Central

Contract Flaws in Iraq Cited
LA Times

Pentagon awards seven Iraq contracts
Channel News Asia

One year later, a rebound in Iraq
Christian Science Monitor

DOD awards $130M in Iraq money
MENA

Discredited Iraqi exiles still land US spy funds
Guardian UK

US and UK close to deal on shape of Iraq's government
Financial Times

March 10, 2004
US Scrambles to set up World’s Biggest Embassy in Baghdad
RFE/RL

Pentagon audit dents Halliburton
AP

Iraq in $100m housing contracts
Trade Arabia

Iraqi cellular operators currently enjoying a period of rapid increase in subscribers
MENAFN

Iraq hearing may touch on Halliburton issue
Houston Chronicle

Iraq's Minister of Health confirms attendance at Iraq Procurement 2004
AME Info

Argent in Iraqi telecoms coup
Sydney Morning Herald

Council on Foreign Relations faults Iraq oil revenue accounting
Oil & Gas Journal

Lukoil president to conduct negotiations in Baghdad
News from Russia

Metito wins Iraq plant contract
Trade Arabia

Shia party leader concerned over new constitution
Financial Times

March 9, 2004
US hands out new Iraq oil deals
BBC

Halliburton's Iraq Contracts May Reduce Cash Holdings
Bloomberg

UK firms press for Iraqi contracts
Evening Standard

Halliburton Contracts Axed After Overcharges
Capital Hill Blue

U.S. awards first 7 major reconstruction contracts in Iraq
MENA FN

Iraqi sign landmark constitution to international plaudits
Arab Times

Halliburton Reports $85 Million Profit From Iraq Operations
Washington Post

IRAQ: Swedish NGO works to raise water supplies in north
IRIN

LUKOIL boss to discuss resumption of pre-war contract in Baghdad
Gateway to Russia

Iraqis learn red tape, the Indian way
Asia Times

Adviser to Iraq's Oil Ministry hails 'window of opportunity' – Bahrain
MENA FN

Iraqi oil industry seeks to bridge knowledge gaps
MENA FN

Premature rejoicing in Kirkuk
The Guardian UK

Iraqi schools need billions of dollars in aid
Al Jazeerah

Iraq to play vital role in oil market
Daily News

Prospect of Saddam trial this year, says US
Financial Times

US leaders urged to back Iraq with financial pledge
Financial Times

War: Just whose business is it anyway?
Asia Times

March 8, 2004
Contracts Take Alaska to Iraq
LA Times

New Law Governing the Central Bank of Iraq
Noticias.info

Iraq contracts to be awarded this week
AFP

Pentagon to Oversee Most Spending in Iraq
Porterville Recorder

U.S. Rice Growers Want Preference For Allies On Iraq Sales
Crop Decisions

Gestures of hope for Iraqi women
SFgate

Pentagon wins control over most of the aid package for Iraq
MENAFN

Iraqis prefer UK soldiers to their US counterparts
Taipei Times

Iraqi Leaders Hail Signing of Interim Constitution as Historic
VOA News

The Life of the New Iraqi Press
MediaInfo

Iraq Kirkuk oil sale lifts exports to post-war high
Reuters

US helps Iraq prepare for war crimes trials
Guardian

March 4, 2004
Iraqi hospitals remain bleak without U.S. aid
Knight Ridder

Sabotage in Iraq destroys $50 mil phone exchange
Washington Post

Iraq stares at gaping $3 billion budget deficit for 2004
Daily Star

Iraq ships oil to Turkey after pipelines repaired
Bloomberg

More Turmoil Ahead in Iraq
Time

WorldWater Corp. to Exhibit Proprietary Solar Technology in Iraq Trade Expo in Baghdad
WorldWater Press Release

DPA, Maersk, P&O vie for Iraq contracts
Trade Arabia

Egyptians angry with government bet on 'Bremer Dinars'
Daily Star

Democracy's Bus Is Rolling in Iraq
LA Times (free registration required)

Iraq Council head chides U.S. on security after bombs
Reuters

Staff boost not seen aiding CIA's Iraq effort
Washington Post

UN suppresses Iraq HQ bomb report
FT

U.N. Intends to a Hire Security Firm
AP

NATO Chief Says Iraq Role Depends on Baghdad, U.N.
Reuters

March 3, 2004
Iraqi oil exports reach nearly $6 billion
Reuters

Official: Southern Iraq 's crude oil export capacity grew to 2 million bpd
MENAFN

DPA shortlisted for $1b Iraqi five-port contract
Gulf News

Banks name rate for Iraq $1.4bn loan
FT

Who is winning work in Iraq and Afghanistan?
AMEinfo

Beirut to host Iraq reconstruction parley
UPI

Fears Iraq being manipulated into civil war
Sydney Morning Herald

A constitution drenched in blood
Asia Times

Blast hits oil line in northern Iraq
Hi Pakistan

Universal care is right for Iraq, Thompson says
Seattle Times

1,500 delegates to attend GEO 2004 conference – Bahrain
Bahrain Tribune

U.S. Has Become Easy Scapegoat for Iraqis
LA Times (free registration required)

DCCI calls for long-term alliance with Iraq – UAE
Khaleej Times

The Threats to Democracy in Iraq
Creators Syndicate

Iraq Offers Risks, Rewards for Businesses, U.S. Official Says
Knight Ridder

High Infant Mortality Rate in Iraq
AP

Official mourning declared after bomb attacks in Iraq, Pakistan
ABC Radio Australia

Spectre of civil war hangs over Iraq
FT

U.N. Inspectors Seek Lessons From Iraq
AP

March 2, 2004
World Bank pledge $ 1 billion for Iraq
MEES

Piling On Halliburton
Washington Post (free registration required)

Iraq's thorny governance
Economist

Washington Favors Iraqi State Oil Company
Reuters

Oil Policy Options For Iraq
MEES

Iraq donors may opt for bilateral aid
Gulf News

Iraq calls for $3.9 billion emergency aid
DPA

U.S. Wheat Exporters Meet Iraqi Buyers
DTN

Kurdish question sidestepped
RFE/RL

Iraqis Receive U.S. Approval of Constitution
New York Times

Oil prices at post-Iraq war high
Reuters

Oil production in Iraq nearly at prewar level
NYT

Occupation exposes sectarian tensions
Aljazeera

Iraq Charter Is Strong on Democracy, but Remains Vague on Women's Rights
Knight Ridder

Iraqi exiles being investigated
Detroit Free Press

March 1, 2004
A Revival for Iraq's Oil Industry as Output Nears Prewar Levels
New York Times

Donors release $1bn to Iraq
BBC

Iraq minister retreats from 60pc debt cut comment
Reuters

Iraq's oil-based debt plan wins support
Reuters

Qatar to host Iraq donor meeting in May
APP

Iraqi Council Agrees on Terms of Interim Constitution
Washington Post

Coalition official: Interim Iraqi constitution to be signed this week
AP

Boeing makes inroads into Iraqi market
Gulf News

Kuwait cashes in on Iraq opportunities
Gulf News

Kuwait Agrees to Export Iraqi Oil
AP

Kurdish demands trigger fears of civil war in Iraq
Independent

Iran meets Iraq over oil pipeline
BBC

Iraqis fear exploitation by its neighbours
Khaleej Times

China hints at writing off debt
Gulf Daily News