Daily archives: March 16, 2006
Aegis still in the money and back in the news
By Ben Russell in The Independent
Tony Blair has been challenged over the “scandal” of vast profits being made by British firms with reconstruction contracts in Iraq.
The Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn attacked the Prime Minister after The Independent revealed that British businesses have profited by at least ‘1.1bn since Saddam Hussein was ousted three years ago. Top earners include the construction firm Amec and the security company Aegis. Heasked: “Does he not think it is time to set a date for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, to end the occupation and end the growing scandal of the huge profits being made by British and American companies from reconstruction and that the continued presence represents more of a problem than a solution?”
Mr Blair said Britain should continue to support Iraq’s efforts to achieve a stable democracy.
See also: The Name Game
MI5, Camp Delta, and the story that shames Britain
By George B. Mickum in The Independent
Bisher al-Rawi and Jamil el-Banna are among eight British residents who remain prisoners at the U.S. Naval Air Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They are jailed because British officials rendered them into the hands of the CIA in Africa, a fact that may explain why the British government refuses to intercede on their behalf. Bisher and Jamil have been wrongfully imprisoned now for more than three years. This is the story of their betrayal by the British government and their appalling treatment at the hands of the CIA and the U.S. military.