US Corruption or Gitmo Salvage?
US Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld has, over the course of the weekend granted a deal with Halliburton, prev. owned by Dick Cheney, to expand Guantanamo Bay for $30m.
Ever since the return of prisoners from Gitmo, earlier this year, followed by the Newsweek-story of abuse of the Koran, there has been a heated debate regarding the fututre of the Guantanamo. Even US President George W. Bush has opened for a closure of the base.
However, the Defence Secretary has stood firmly on his views that the base should be kept in operation. Many now see this deal as the final evidence that he may have his way. But still there is another possibility.
The plans, to which Halliburton has been attached, is to make Gitmo a permanent detention facility for the US. These are controvercial plans, especially in the light of the Time-article this week. So one might think the US Government will have to reconsider the future of the Gitmo.
But follow me on this one: What happens if George Bush pull the plug on Gitmo? Halliburton is contracted to the build of the permanent facilities, and is likely to recieve its $30m paycheck anyhow. Who's the winner? Image-wise, the US will look good for closing down Gitmo - and will probably be able dodge the headlines over spending the $30m of taxmoney.
It wouldn't be the first time the US Government handed over small gifts to Dick Cheney's god ol' Halliburton.
Post Script:
For those of you who haven't yet read the Time-piece - I strongly suggest you pick it up today! It's a facinating article, especially regarding how well it fits with my article on how much Donald Rumsfeld knew... Long live the December Rumsfeld Techniques... --------
However, the Defence Secretary has stood firmly on his views that the base should be kept in operation. Many now see this deal as the final evidence that he may have his way. But still there is another possibility.
The plans, to which Halliburton has been attached, is to make Gitmo a permanent detention facility for the US. These are controvercial plans, especially in the light of the Time-article this week. So one might think the US Government will have to reconsider the future of the Gitmo.
But follow me on this one: What happens if George Bush pull the plug on Gitmo? Halliburton is contracted to the build of the permanent facilities, and is likely to recieve its $30m paycheck anyhow. Who's the winner? Image-wise, the US will look good for closing down Gitmo - and will probably be able dodge the headlines over spending the $30m of taxmoney.
It wouldn't be the first time the US Government handed over small gifts to Dick Cheney's god ol' Halliburton.
Post Script:
For those of you who haven't yet read the Time-piece - I strongly suggest you pick it up today! It's a facinating article, especially regarding how well it fits with my article on how much Donald Rumsfeld knew... Long live the December Rumsfeld Techniques... --------
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