But nobody reports the GOOD news about Iraq, we're building SCHOOLS and stuff!

[Ramo]

As I was saying, not really, viewed in context of the end of sanctions and reconstruction aid.

[SlowwHand]

When Iraq was first invaded, after the smoke cleared some, people were going to movies. Steps ere being made in schools and infrastructure. Then insurgents came out and the people just cowered. As did the police.
How much responsibilty percntage do we take?
The potential for better is there for them to take.

[Ramo]

What "points" are there to "endorse"? It's a news piece, not an editorial. It contains facts that I'll accept as accurate until someone can provide evidence that contradicts them...

The "Booming Economy" spin (see title).

[Drake Tungsten]

The actual title of the article is "Blood and Money". "Iraq's Economy is Booming" is just the blurb that appears at the top of your browser window. Even if it was the title, however, it's hardly a point capable of being endorsed...

[Ramo]

The article asserts (and what you wanted to convey to us from the article is) that the economy is doing well, even "booming." Outside of perhaps Kurdistan, it clearly isn't.

[Drake Tungsten]

Outside of perhaps Kurdistan, it clearly isn't.

Newsweek seems to disagree. Do you have any evidence that contradicts their facts?

[Jack_www]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten

Outside of perhaps Kurdistan, it clearly isn't.

Newsweek seems to disagree. Do you have any evidence that contradicts their facts?

Again if people's main concern is not getting blown up by a car bomb or getting caugth in the cross fire of people shooting at each other, I dont think offices and business can expect to get many people walking through their doors. So even though these reports say that the economy is booming, how long can that last?

[Drake Tungsten]

Again if people's main concern is not getting blown up by a car bomb or getting caugth in the cross fire of people shooting at each other, I dont think offices and business can expect to get many people walking through their doors.

Did you ever think that the fact that business is good in Iraq might indicate that the main concern of many Iraqis isn't "not getting blown up by a car bomb or getting caugth in the cross fire of people shooting at each other"?

[Jack_www]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten

Again if people's main concern is not getting blown up by a car bomb or getting caugth in the cross fire of people shooting at each other, I dont think offices and business can expect to get many people walking through their doors.

Did you ever think that the fact that business is good in Iraq might indicate that the main concern of many Iraqis isn't "not getting blown up by a car bomb or getting caugth in the cross fire of people shooting at each other"?

I base this on the fact that almost every week you hear about a car bomb that went off it Iraq and killing a whole bunch of people. They like to have large crowds of people, because more people means that they can kill more with a single bomb. If people are affaird to let their own children go to school, I dought they are going to the store to shop.

[Jack_www]

Dont get me wrong, I dont want to see Iraq fall into complete chaos, but every day I just hear more news about how bad things are getting over there. The very first part went great. The Iraq Army was weak and US crushed it with in a few weeks. But the planning after wards sucked, and I think Bush is an idiot and wont be able to do anything about it. I also think the Democratics cant do any better, and the people of Iraq dont seem to want the help of US. So in the end I think it will end up a complete disaster for the US.

[Dinner]

Originally posted by Ramo

If I didn't know better, I would've sworn that this quote was written by Ned...

There is a reason for that. It is because the claim is clearly delusional. There is a reason the World Bank quotes Iraqis growth at 4% and not 17% and it is because the World Bank uses internationally recognized standards while Drake's comical links use supposition and hopeful thinking.

[Dinner]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten

I think you missed the part where a London-based firm put Iraqi GDP growth at 17% for 2005

Wow, "a London based firm"? What exactly does it take to set up a corporation in London? I imagine all it takes is around $100 and filling out some paper work; so, in other words, any worthless hack or idiot can set up a "firm" in London. Even if it turns out to be halfway reputable then it is likely to be a worthless hack organization. No thanks, but I think I will stick with the World Bank's figures.

[Drake Tungsten]

Newsweek is "comical" now?

Wow, "a London based firm"?

For your information, Global Insight is the world's largest economics consultancy firm.

[Dinner]

No, you are comical. Newsweek just has lazy reporters who barely check facts as you yourself have fequently pointed out.

[Dinner]

I will continue to trust the figures from the World Bank. Thank you.