Documents reveal Iraq convoy sent out despite threat

Documents reveal that an Iraq convoy was doomed almost from the start, according to an article in Monday's L.A. Times.

"Senior managers for defense contractor KBR overruled calls to halt supply operations in Iraq in the spring of 2004, ordering unarmored trucks into an active combat zone where six civilian drivers died in an ambush, according to newly available documents," T. Christian Miller writes for the paper.

The article continues, "Company e-mails and other internal communications reveal that before KBR dispatched the convoy, a chorus of security advisors predicted an increase in roadside bombings and attacks on Iraq's highways. They recommended suspension of convoys."

The firm's regional security chief, citing "tons of intel," warned beforehand, "[I] think we will get people injured or killed tomorrow," however, he also said, "Big politics and contract issues involved."

Excerpts from article:

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KBR was under intense pressure from the military to deliver on its multibillion-dollar contract to transport food, fuel and other vital supplies to U.S. soldiers. At Baghdad's airport, a shortage of jet fuel threatened to ground some units.

After consulting with military commanders, KBR's top managers decided to keep the convoys rolling. "If the [Army] pushes, then we push, too," wrote an aide to Craig Peterson, KBR's top official in Iraq. The decision prompted a raging internal debate that is detailed in private KBR documents, some under court seal, that were reviewed by The Times.

One KBR management official threatened to resign when superiors ordered truckers to continue driving. "I cannot consciously sit back and allow unarmed civilians to get picked apart," wrote Keith Richard, chief of the trucking operation.

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FULL LA TIME ARTICLE AT THIS LINK



