Two of the implicit findings of the NYT investigation of Iraq reconstruction bear highlighting. First, while admirable amounts have been repatriated to the US and important political contributors, fully half of the funds have been wasted building things that will remain in Iraq to benefit no-one of importance, or just paid to Iraqis who will only spend it on food and rent in their own country. In a word, the success of the program has been limited.
Second, on the other hand, there remains a great deal yet to steal, and the increasing talk of withdrawal is putting US policy at risk of being profoundly careless. There should be no talk of cutting and running until the vein has been properly mined out. Ambrose Bierce understood this principle in another context:
A Hasty Settlement“Your Honour,” said an Attorney, rising, “what is the present status of this case – as far as it has gone?”
“I have given a judgement for the residuary legatee under the will,” said the Court, “put the costs upon the contestants, decided all questions relating to fees and other charges; and, in short, the estate in litigation has been settled, with all controversies, disputes, misunderstandings, and differences of opinion thereunto appertaining.”
“Ah, yes, I see,” said the Attorney, thoughtfully, “we are making progress – we are getting on famously.”
“Progress?” echoed the Judge – “progress? Why, sir, the matter is concluded!”
“Exactly, exactly; it had to be concluded in order to give relevancy to the motion that I am about to make. Your Honour, I move that the judgement of the Court be set aside and the case reopened.”
“Upon what ground, sir?” the Judge asked in surprise.
“Upon the ground,” said the Attorney, “that after paying all fees and expenses of litigation and all charges against the estate there will still be something left.”
“There may have been an error,” said His Honour, thoughtfully – “the Court may have underestimated the value of the estate. The motion is taken under advisement.”
Ah, yes, but realize that so many of the jobs were left properly unfinished, so the Iraq government will have to return the money we left by paying American contractors to finish the job. So the total amount will wind up properly divided, that is, 95% to US.
The Deceased and his Heirs
A Man died leaving a large estate and many sorrowful relations who claimed it. After some years, when all but one had had judgement given against them, that one was awarded the estate, which he asked his Attorney to have appraised.
“There is nothing to appraise,” said the Attorney, pocketing his last fee.
“Then,” said the Successful Claimant, “what good has all this litigation done me?”
“You have been a good client to me,” the Attorney replied, gathering up his books and papers, “but I must say you betray a surprising ignorance of the purpose of litigation.”
Ha! another Bierce fan. I couldn’t decide which one to use, actually…