Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq

Book excerpt: Discuses some of the systemic conditions in Iraq that contribute to the fraud, waste, or abuse of U.S.-provided funds. Since 2003, the Dept. of Defense (DoD) has reported total costs of about $257.5 billion for military operations in Iraq; these have increased from about $38.8 billion in FY2003 to about $83.4 in FY2006. The largest increase has been in operation & maintenance expenses. This report focuses on: (1) security; (2) management & reporting of the program to train & equip Iraqi security forces; (3) contracting & contract management activities; & (4) Iraqi capacity & commitment to manage & fund reconstruction & security efforts. Charts & tables.