Rebuilding scandal in Iraq
The week's news at a glance.
Washington, D.C.
The Justice Department has arrested a former U.S. official in Iraq for allegedly taking $546,000 in payoffs to steer $13 million in rebuilding contracts to an American businessman. Prosecutors say Robert Stein Jr., who was responsible for doling out $82 million in development money in south-central Iraq, conspired with businessman Philip Bloom to rig bids to make sure big jobs went to companies Bloom ran from Romania. Bloom’s firms landed at least nine contracts, including for the demolition of a former Baath Party headquarters and the renovation of a library. The arrests marked the first criminal corruption case stemming from the $20 billion Iraq rebuilding effort.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Denmark’s record-setting arms purchase raises eyebrows and anxiety
IN THE SPOTLIGHT By eschewing American-made munitions for their European counterparts, the Danish government is bracing for Russian antagonism and sending a message to the West
-
Is hate speech still protected speech?
Talking Points Pam Bondi’s threat to target hate speech raises concerns
-
‘Mental health care is health care’
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day