Spreading Democracy......and Cronyism

Ahmed Chalabi.....back in the saddle.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4569360.stm
After being trounced in the recent elections and failing to obtain even one seat for his party, Chalabi has a new job..head of the Iraqi Oil Ministry. The previous minister, Bahr al-Uloum has been temporarily replaced by Chalabi due to his dispute with the Iraqi goverment over tripling the price of oil. What exactly qualifies Chalabi for such an important post you ask? Here are some highlights of his bio;

-Chalabi was found guilty (in 1992), and sentenced to 22 years jail on 31 charges of embezzlement, theft, misuse of depositor funds and currency speculation in Jordan.
-Chalabi was the main source behind claims that Iraq had connections to al Qaeda, an operative connection which still hasn’t been proven.
-Chalabi was the main source behind claims that Iraq was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction, claims which Bush himself admits were flat out wrong.
-Chalabi was the main source behind claims that the Iraqi people would rise up and embrace their American invaders: did you forget all the talk of our soldiers being greeted with flowers and chocolates.
-Chalabi was caught conferring with hard-line Islamic leaders in Tehran leading up to the invasion of Iraq.

This is exactly the sort of guy the Iraqis need in leadership positions.

I guess Brownie was booked on a speaking tour or something.
3,827 views 8 replies
Reply #1 Top
More info on Chalabi Link
Reply #2 Top
Holy Craptacular Cronies Batman!

Great information, Dav. Thanks.
Reply #3 Top
not for nothing did chalabi associate with some of america's greatest teflon politicos.

what's that proverb bout birds of a feather?
Reply #4 Top
You forgot to blame Bush! ;~D
Reply #5 Top
i cant seem to edit my comment or i'd make that 'some of america's greatest contemporary politicos'.
Reply #6 Top
what's that proverb bout birds of a feather?

...actually, I was kinda' thinking about the old axiom that goes like this:

If you lay down with the dogs, you're bound to get fleas.
Reply #7 Top
From the linked article:
He is to be replaced for 30 days by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Chalabi.


I'm not sure when the newly elected assembly are scheduled to take their seats, but until they do, Mr. Chalabi remains DPM. Not sure who named him to the temporary oil post, but who would you prefer do the appointing? What does that have to do with Chalabi's pre-war activities? I wouldn't trust the guy, myself, but it isn't my call (or our's).

Cheers,
Daiwa
Reply #8 Top
What does that have to do with Chalabi's pre-war activities? I wouldn't trust the guy, myself, but it isn't my call (or our's).


I just find it rather odd that the Iraqi people don't seem to care for him too much (based on their votes), yet he continues to pull in these sweet gigs somehow.