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The impression I get from this article is that the World Bank intends to present a low-ball figure in its report to an Iraq donor conference slated for Oct. 23, 24 and hosted by Spain.
Suggesting Iraq can only absorb $6 billion in infrastructure repair next year would make any of the otherwise miniscule ‘donations’ seem like a success. Even ‘administration officials’ are saying the estimate is unrealistic.
According to this article Rumsfeld is utilising the hype.
The international community has a big interest in seeing Iraq rebuilt, Rumsfeld added.
The role of the international community, especially the United States, is just to get things started, Rumsfeld proclaimed. Other countries have already given “hundreds of millions” to the cause.