LA Times: Advocates of War Now Profit From Iraq's Reconstruction

[xocolatl]

Advocates of War Now Profit From Iraq's Reconstruction

Lobbyists, aides to senior officials and others encouraged invasion and now help firms pursue contracts. They see no conflict.

By Walter F. Roche Jr. and Ken Silverstein, Times Staff Writers

WASHINGTON

In the months and years leading up to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, they marched together in the vanguard of those who advocated war.

As lobbyists, public relations counselors and confidential advisors to senior federal officials, they warned against Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, praised exiled leader Ahmad Chalabi, and argued that toppling Saddam Hussein was a matter of national security and moral duty.

Now, as fighting continues in Iraq, they are collecting tens of thousands of dollars in fees for helping business clients pursue federal contracts and other financial opportunities in Iraq. For instance, a former Senate aide who helped get U.S. funds for anti-Hussein exiles who are now active in Iraqi affairs has a $175,000 deal to advise Romania on winning business in Iraq and other matters.

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[Rose Siding]

1. CNN should have charged Woolsey through the nose

for all the free advertising he was allowed to give for selling his "product" for the last two years.

Why is there this class of people whose motives are treated as being above question in polite society?