Baghdad wants U.S. to pay $1 billion for damage to city

[iceburgpens]

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq's capital wants the United States to apologize and pay $1 billion for the damage done to the city not by bombs but by blast walls and Humvees since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

The city's government issued its demands in a statement on Wednesday that said Baghdad's infrastructure and aesthetics have been seriously damaged by the American military.

"The U.S. forces changed this beautiful city to a camp in an ugly and destructive way, which reflected deliberate ignorance and carelessness about the simplest forms of public taste," the statement said.

"Due to the huge damage, leading to a loss the Baghdad municipality cannot afford...we demand the American side apologize to Baghdad's people and pay back these expenses."

The statement made no mention of damage caused by bombing.

Baghdad's neighborhoods have been sealed off by miles of concrete blast walls, transforming the city into a tangled maze that contributes to massive traffic jams. Despite a sharp reduction in overall violence in recent years only 5 percent of the walls have been removed, officials said.

The heavy blast walls have damaged sewer and water systems, pavement and parks, said Hakeem Abdul Zahra, the city spokesman.

U.S. military Humvees, driven on street medians and through gardens, have also caused major damage, he said.

"The city of Baghdad feels these violations, which have taken place for years, have caused economic and moral damage," he said.

U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq's cities in June 2009 before formally ending combat operations last August. Around 50,000 remain in Iraq but they are scheduled to withdraw by year end.

Baghdad is badly in need of a facelift. Electricity and trash collection are sporadic, streets are potholed and sewage treatment plants and pipes have not been renovated for years.

Iraq has seen growing protests in recent weeks over poor government services.

Zahra said the city's statement issued on Wednesday would be the start of its measures to get the United States to pay for damages but he did not say what other steps might be taken.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110217/wl_nm/us_iraq_usa_damages

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if this story is true, wouldn't this be a slap in the face of the United States? Perhaps I'm reading it wrong?? I hope?? I'd like to hear some opinions from the local DV members please.

[Polecat85]

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq's capital wants the United States to apologize and pay $1 billion for the damage done to the city not by bombs but by blast walls and Humvees since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

The city's government issued its demands in a statement on Wednesday that said Baghdad's infrastructure and aesthetics have been seriously damaged by the American military.

"The U.S. forces changed this beautiful city to a camp in an ugly and destructive way, which reflected deliberate ignorance and carelessness about the simplest forms of public taste," the statement said.

"Due to the huge damage, leading to a loss the Baghdad municipality cannot afford...we demand the American side apologize to Baghdad's people and pay back these expenses."

The statement made no mention of damage caused by bombing.

Baghdad's neighborhoods have been sealed off by miles of concrete blast walls, transforming the city into a tangled maze that contributes to massive traffic jams. Despite a sharp reduction in overall violence in recent years only 5 percent of the walls have been removed, officials said.

The heavy blast walls have damaged sewer and water systems, pavement and parks, said Hakeem Abdul Zahra, the city spokesman.

U.S. military Humvees, driven on street medians and through gardens, have also caused major damage, he said.

"The city of Baghdad feels these violations, which have taken place for years, have caused economic and moral damage," he said.

U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq's cities in June 2009 before formally ending combat operations last August. Around 50,000 remain in Iraq but they are scheduled to withdraw by year end.

Baghdad is badly in need of a facelift. Electricity and trash collection are sporadic, streets are potholed and sewage treatment plants and pipes have not been renovated for years.

Iraq has seen growing protests in recent weeks over poor government services.

Zahra said the city's statement issued on Wednesday would be the start of its measures to get the United States to pay for damages but he did not say what other steps might be taken.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110217/wl_nm/us_iraq_usa_damages

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if this story is true, wouldn't this be a slap in the face of the United States? Perhaps I'm reading it wrong?? I hope?? I'd like to hear some opinions from the local DV members please.

We should tell them to kiss our collective arses. But, Obama will bend over and give it up.

[nowhammies]

Uh yeah...good luck with that.

[Markinsa]

We should send them a bill for removing their dictator from office...

[Tropics]

We give you democracy and now you want us to pay you for it. In that case each family that has lost a service member should sue Iraq for damages.

[Rogue Knight]

Sure, we will pay you. After you RV/RI your currency.. Quid pro quo. I think Iraq is a little quick to be placing demands on the country that freeed them from a tryannical dictator. How soon people forget..

[Bull Dog]

Being a Vet from this war, these people should be happy that we have set them free from Saddam. Why don't they pay us back for the lives we lost in order for them to enjoy the freedoms they have today. Their government needs to take care of their needs not the US. If they could get their govenement in place, their business in order, then maybe they can start taking care of the people. The people are demonstrating and rightfully so. It's not like they don't have the funds to do it with and we have already dumped billions into their economy. Do it yourselves and lets get out of there.

[rsskelton]

Hey I know, lets pay the idiots in dinar.

[wildinar]

I feel we have paved the way to there freedom. THEY OW US

It's time to pay us back!!!!!!!!!

GO RV

[hbrill61]

Dear Iraq

I'll tell you what...we'll keep our billion dollars.Why don't you start with a thank you...then we'll try and figure out what is owed to us.

Thank You

[Mr.B.]

No your right, if not for the US they would still be in chapter11 right? Talk about ungrateful.

[bald1]

Let me understand THEY want us to pay them....... WE CANNOT PUT A PRICE ON THE MEN WE LOST WHILE LIBERATING THEIR sorry tails. I guess Mr. Obama will apologize and write them a check nevertheless.

[sassytexan]

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq's capital wants the United States to apologize and pay $1 billion for the damage done to the city not by bombs but by blast walls and Humvees since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

The city's government issued its demands in a statement on Wednesday that said Baghdad's infrastructure and aesthetics have been seriously damaged by the American military.

"The U.S. forces changed this beautiful city to a camp in an ugly and destructive way, which reflected deliberate ignorance and carelessness about the simplest forms of public taste," the statement said.

"Due to the huge damage, leading to a loss the Baghdad municipality cannot afford...we demand the American side apologize to Baghdad's people and pay back these expenses."

The statement made no mention of damage caused by bombing.

Baghdad's neighborhoods have been sealed off by miles of concrete blast walls, transforming the city into a tangled maze that contributes to massive traffic jams. Despite a sharp reduction in overall violence in recent years only 5 percent of the walls have been removed, officials said.

The heavy blast walls have damaged sewer and water systems, pavement and parks, said Hakeem Abdul Zahra, the city spokesman.

U.S. military Humvees, driven on street medians and through gardens, have also caused major damage, he said.

"The city of Baghdad feels these violations, which have taken place for years, have caused economic and moral damage," he said.

U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq's cities in June 2009 before formally ending combat operations last August. Around 50,000 remain in Iraq but they are scheduled to withdraw by year end.

Baghdad is badly in need of a facelift. Electricity and trash collection are sporadic, streets are potholed and sewage treatment plants and pipes have not been renovated for years.

Iraq has seen growing protests in recent weeks over poor government services.

Zahra said the city's statement issued on Wednesday would be the start of its measures to get the United States to pay for damages but he did not say what other steps might be taken.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110217/wl_nm/us_iraq_usa_damages

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if this story is true, wouldn't this be a slap in the face of the United States? Perhaps I'm reading it wrong?? I hope?? I'd like to hear some opinions from the local DV members please.

You know that where ever the US has had a battle and caused damage from the battle even though we were doing something good for that country we have always gone in and fixed up the damage that was made. I don't think we should be doing that. They are the ones that wanted Saddam out and we helped now they should fix the mess themselves. They were doing a lot of fighting before we got there and they are the ones that made the biggest mess of it all anyway. Not only that we have built schools, hospitals and other buildings for them and have improved on the places where we have camps. So I don't believe we should have to go back in there and fix anything else.

[seus]

you know what, the money part isn't even the insulting part of it...it's the fact that the assholes want us to APOLOGIZE!!!!! Sorry, but last time I checked, we've dumped like $775 Billion into freeing their damn country on top of the lives lost.

[iceburgpens]

Thank you for the responses, some very interesting one I might add. I guess I'll just see how this effects any RV/RV.

Peace,

ICE

[VIZIOIRAQI]

Baghdad wants U.S. to pay $1 billion for damage to city

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq's capital wants the United States to apologize and pay $1 billion for the damage done to the city not by bombs but by blast walls and Humvees since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

The city's government issued its demands in a statement on Wednesday that said Baghdad's infrastructure and aesthetics have been seriously damaged by the American military.

"The U.S. forces changed this beautiful city to a camp in an ugly and destructive way, which reflected deliberate ignorance and carelessness about the simplest forms of public taste," the statement said.

"Due to the huge damage, leading to a loss the Baghdad municipality cannot afford...we demand the American side apologize to Baghdad's people and pay back these expenses."

The statement made no mention of damage caused by bombing.

Baghdad's neighborhoods have been sealed off by miles of concrete blast walls, transforming the city into a tangled maze that contributes to massive traffic jams. Despite a sharp reduction in overall violence in recent years only 5 percent of the walls have been removed, officials said.

The heavy blast walls have damaged sewer and water systems, pavement and parks, said Hakeem Abdul Zahra, the city spokesman.

U.S. military Humvees, driven on street medians and through gardens, have also caused major damage, he said.

"The city of Baghdad feels these violations, which have taken place for years, have caused economic and moral damage," he said.

U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq's cities in June 2009 before formally ending combat operations last August. Around 50,000 remain in Iraq but they are scheduled to withdraw by year end.

Baghdad is badly in need of a facelift. Electricity and trash collection are sporadic, streets are potholed and sewage treatment plants and pipes have not been renovated for years.

Iraq has seen growing protests in recent weeks over poor government services.

Zahra said the city's statement issued on Wednesday would be the start of its measures to get the United States to pay for damages but he did not say what other steps might be taken.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110217/wl_nm/us_iraq_usa_damages

[coyote]

why did we waste our time over there , these ungreatfull bastar#s, we should just nuke the entire middle before thy do it to us, jmo.

[teenager]

Baghdad wants U.S. to pay $1 billion for damage to city

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq's capital wants the United States to apologize and pay $1 billion for the damage done to the city not by bombs but by blast walls and Humvees since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

The city's government issued its demands in a statement on Wednesday that said Baghdad's infrastructure and aesthetics have been seriously damaged by the American military.

"The U.S. forces changed this beautiful city to a camp in an ugly and destructive way, which reflected deliberate ignorance and carelessness about the simplest forms of public taste," the statement said.

"Due to the huge damage, leading to a loss the Baghdad municipality cannot afford...we demand the American side apologize to Baghdad's people and pay back these expenses."

The statement made no mention of damage caused by bombing.

Baghdad's neighborhoods have been sealed off by miles of concrete blast walls, transforming the city into a tangled maze that contributes to massive traffic jams. Despite a sharp reduction in overall violence in recent years only 5 percent of the walls have been removed, officials said.

The heavy blast walls have damaged sewer and water systems, pavement and parks, said Hakeem Abdul Zahra, the city spokesman.

U.S. military Humvees, driven on street medians and through gardens, have also caused major damage, he said.

"The city of Baghdad feels these violations, which have taken place for years, have caused economic and moral damage," he said.

U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq's cities in June 2009 before formally ending combat operations last August. Around 50,000 remain in Iraq but they are scheduled to withdraw by year end.

Baghdad is badly in need of a facelift. Electricity and trash collection are sporadic, streets are potholed and sewage treatment plants and pipes have not been renovated for years.

Iraq has seen growing protests in recent weeks over poor government services.

Zahra said the city's statement issued on Wednesday would be the start of its measures to get the United States to pay for damages but he did not say what other steps might be taken.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110217/wl_nm/us_iraq_usa_damages

They have got to be kidding me. Now that's gratitude for you.

Edited February 17, 2011 by teenager

[getherdone]

The USA should not pay these lazy, jackwagon, delaying, do nothing bumbs a dime ! IMVHO

[littlesam]

interesting...in this article the statement made no mention of damage caused by a bombing....the way they get along over there was probably caused by them rioting and trashing it and then blamed it on us...maybe they owe us an opology for suggesting we wrecked their beautiful baghdad that sadam built out of the money he withheld from all his people to make it beautiful while he was in reign...what we would call in the U.S. pork...

[zest4life]

I am speechless...but I am sure our Veterans will have alot to say!! I cant imagine reading this if you lost a loved one.

Maybe we should protest sending more money to an ungrateful bunch of power hungry war mongers.

[quadraph0nic]

Yeah, we won't be paying them directly for that. Nooo way...this would have to come from Maliki if it were to even be considered...

Besides, if we gave them this 1billion, it would go straight into someone's pocket and nothing will be done.

There is a re-construction plan in place and the U.S. is at the helm this and it has to do with the strategic framework agreement...

The rhetoric in this article comes from a city employee and to me only a desperate person would say such a thing as he is simply looking for a hand out. I guess it's worth a shot huh? LOL :lol:

When conditions change there will be less whining but it will take a lot of hard work on their part and things like incest runs rampant in their society + sadam's incredible focus on eduction while he was in power....oh yeah and so you have some real whiners...i mean real winners in iraq... Oh yeah! :lol:

[nanna51]

Are you kidding me. WE HAVE PAID. We paid with our sons, daughters, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. We paid with the arm, legs and with our loved ones whose lives will never be normal. They have new schools, hospitals, roads, etc. They now have say in their government and they are free to walk the streets without being killed. WHY do we help these countries that hate us. Maybe we should just let them live their horrible lives.

[Kenneth]

I guess it's no different then some of City governments we have here in the U.S., like Berkeley, Ca that invited Gitmo Detainees to live there.Source

[nydinardj]

That's it Rv or not. Just bulldoze this place, construct a bunch of walmarts and have these leaders work in the parking lots collecting carts. I can't believe these idiots. God Bless America.