Did you hear about the economy of Iraq?

Question

Newsweek reporting that the economy of Iraq is....booming?

Wonder why no one else reports this?

Paragrapgh two
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16241340/site/newsweek/

Answer 1

Because everyone else wants to paint our presence there as a total failure, despite what economic indicators are saying, and anecdotes from troops that are returning on leave.

Answer 2

Depends on who does the reporting-like the US economy, you can get very different points of view.

MENAFN) The Iraq Study Group said that the Iraqi people are struggling financially as the war goes on, facing high unemployment and surging prices, AP reported.

The group said that Iraq's economy won't likely improve until security and corruption problems are fixed and the country pumps up its oil production.

The report released by the group said that too many Iraqis do not see tangible improvements in their daily economic situation, as inflation is above 50 percent, unemployment range is from 20 percent to 60 percent, and foreign investment is less than 1 percent of gross domestic product.

According to the report, Iraq produces around 2.2 million barrels of oil a day and exports about 1.5 million - production below the level before the U.S.-led war and below the Iraqi government's target of 2.5 million barrels per day, the report said.

Not to mention the danger involved in those great jobs created. So, is it good news or US propaganda? Wikipedia lists 13 US govt propaganda organizations. Who would've thought?

Answer 3

Prior to the U.S.-led invasion, Iraq was one of the most progressive arab states in the entire middle east, even under Saddam's totalitarian regime. They had an advanced infrastructure, sophisticated public works, excellent medical facilities, and a thriving marketplace. Is there any wonder that the people there are still trying to survive and make a living during this horrible war? It's a testament to the fact that the majority of the people in Iraq (and the whole arab world) are better human beings than we often generalize them (as radical islamic jihadis).

If you are suggesting that this is a cause and effect scenario (i.e. U.S. invades Iraq and sets up frail democracy = booming capitalist economy), you're wrong. The economy was there before we arrived. What has been introduced is carnage, lack of security, and an opportunity for festering ethnic tensions to take root and tear the country apart.

Answer 4

A few things I notice reading this "great" news.
Despite employees kidnapped, cell-phone towers bombed, storefronts shot up and a
later this
Yes, Iraq's problems are daunting, to say the least. Unemployment runs between 30 and 50 percent. Many former state industries have all but ceased to function. As for all that money flowing in, much of it has gone to things that do little to advance the country's future. Security, for instance, gobbles up as much as a third of most companies' operating budgets, whereas what Iraq really needs are hospitals, highways and power-generating plants

And even if the economy is booming,that doesn't change the fact that a civil war is going on there.A good economy where people are afraid to die when they go outside isn't worth anything in my opinion.

Answer 5

Because it doesn't fit in with their agenda of America = BAD. I've wondered why we never ever get any other view of Iraq than Baghdad. It's a big country, but the old media never report on anything other than Baghdad, Baghdad, Baghdad. And, AP and Reuters have been caught in doctoring photos as well as stories. That's why the internet and news bloggers should be where you go after listening to the MSM.

Answer 6

Well if the economy is booming amid all the killing and violence then we need to get out and let the economy grow even more. Maybe then the "gov" can start controlling the violence.

Answer 7

I guess it actually makes sense.
After all, real estate has got to be booming. The other stuff was interesting to read, I mean, with such a high unemployment rate, who's doing all the work thats making them so much money??

Answer 8

When I see the body count it's hard to get excited about some people making a few Dinar's. I guess it comes down to what you see as a better indicator of how the country is doing: money in peoples pockets or bodies on the side of the road.

Answer 9

Maybe for Halliburton. They thought it would be a lot easier to steal the oil. But they're still making billions.

Answer 10

No good news from Iraq allowed! Success is to be censored at all costs! Must prevent any indication that Bush's policies may be right.

Answer 11

Investors the world over have been plying Northern Iraq in such numbers that hotels have regular shortages of rooms.

This is not a new development.

Fact is, 90% of Iraq is prospering, but you won't see or hear about it on CNN....