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Is the US acting as a sole superpower by snubbing UN? Post your views

Washington: After barring countries which opposed the US-led war on Iraq from bidding on reconstruction contracts in the strife-torn country, Washington today (Dec 10, 2003) dangled the carrot to fence-sitting nations, saying those who contribute militarily can get a piece of the $ 18.6 million pie.

Firmly defending a new US policy barring companies from countries opposed to the Iraq war from bidding on the reconstruction contracts, the White House said prime work should go to Iraqis and those nations which helped the US in its war.

Responding to the angry response from several US allies, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the policy was "appropriate and reasonable".

"Prime contracts for reconstruction funded by US taxpayer Dollars should go to the Iraqi people and those countries who are working with the United States on the difficult task of helping to build a free, Democratic and prosperous Iraq," McClellan said.

A new Pentagon policy prevents companies from US allies such as France, Germany and Canada from bidding on the contracts because their Governments opposed the American-led war that ousted the Saddam Hussein regime.

A directive from Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz limits bidders to firms from the US, Iraq, their coalition partners and other countries which have sent troops to Iraq.

It said restricting contract bids "is necessary for the protection of the essential security interests of the US".

PTI