I'm Headed to BOOMTOWN, IRAQ!
A Commentary on the Conde Nast Portfolio Article
Mr. Johnson who is described as a "National Book Award winner" pens in the article his recent visit to the "peaceful Iraqi Kurdistan," where despite the violence and war, energy companies are setting up shop and the economic boom is transforming the landscape. Supposedly, the hills are alive with the "architectural sounds" of McMansions, Luxury Hotels, billion dollar shopping malls and fabulous office complexes.
What makes this story particularly interesting is that as the American Presidential election heats up, the top issue for most people seemingly is the current state of the US economy. Yes, while Americans cry about healthcare, foreclosures, job losses and a stock market that is going bust- we can take solace in the fact that our investment in Iraq is a Boom.
According to the article, there are a few business-minded Americans , who had an exit plan and headed to Kurdistan to enjoy the luxuries. These folks have had to foresight to head to Iraq and cash in on our American investment in Iraq. Take for an example Mr. Ward Vanlerberg who apparently left Kansas to build 50 schools. The author (Johnson) meets with him for a lavish breakfast at the 10-story Erbil International Hotel which reportedly boasts four restaurants, a nightclub and a buffet "to rival any on earth." According to the article, Mr. Ward states: "My family just didn't get it, this place is happening." The story goes on to mention that according to Ward and other Americans living there and enjoying the good life or the spoils of war, "There is no war whatsoever!"
Now, I don't know about you all but for the past almost 8 years, we have been getting nothing but images and news of War from Iraq and the fact that America has spent billions, trillions of dollars in and around Iraq to save the poor Iraqi people from the evils of Saddam Hussien and his Men of doom. After reading this Conde Nast article, I am really interested in "them there hills" of Boomtown, Iraq.... Hell, after reading the article, I began having desert dreams myself. I mean like the story continued to explain, Kurdistan hopes to one day be Dubai - the place where Michael Jackson now calls home. Hey, I figure if it is good enough for the "King of Pop" and all the other business-minded Americans, it certainly will be good enough for little ole Me.
Okay, so we also meet Stafford Clarry in the article, who is described as a "dapper American from Hawaii." Mr. Clarry is a former United Nations worker and current adviser to the Kurdistan Regional Government. He believes that with all the love that the Kurds are showing the US and the investor interest that our involvement has brought, he can only say that "the American effort is a success." So, am I to surmise from this that if oil bubbles, capitalism rules and we can all have our McMansions back...then we can declare victory in Iraq?!?!
Well, alrighty then! I'm with that and since some of my taxpayer dollars went into creating this FABULOUS new economy, I might be writing you from Kurdistan the next time you hear from me.... What do you mean crazy!?!?
Hell, I'm headed to Kurdistan to get my "40 acres and a mule!" Anyone else want to schmooze?? I'll pick you up in my Land Cruiser...smootches.
Published by saba,ink
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3 Comments
Post a CommentDon't be so quick to head over there -- the Turks aren't exactly happy about the existence of Iraqi Kurdistan, and have been working to undermine it under the pretext of hunting down PKK fighters. The Turks' latest incursion into Iraqi Kurdistan is what spooked the oil markets back over $100 a barrel.
Excellent. If I were younger I would stick out my thumb and hitch a ride with you~think it is hot there. I love heat. Interesting you mention Dubai. Seems our destruction of Iraq helped build up the latest luxury resort. Bill Clinton has been trying to get loose of his company involvement in Dubai that has earned him millions since 2002, fearing it will hurt Hillary's campaign. It seems he also was acting as a consultant to one of the Sheiks on how to talk to our government to buy real estate here. That east coast ports deal got stopped when Hillary oppossed it citing George's conflict of interest due to brother Neil. Do Bill and Hillary speak privately? Due to that, I read the UAE is looking to invest their boon money (from oil prices) in countries other than the USA.. The flip side of the coin is the inhumane treatment of the workers who built up the palm islands. Rather biz as usual the rich get richer stepping on the backs of people's labor, blood, sweat and tears.
Wow very brave of you. Great job on this. I just don't know anymore. As G-Man said if you are serious about going, good luck and hope to hear from you soon.