Such b.s. in Iraq - 3 GSM licenses and none allowed for CDMA -- boy this sounds familiar.
What is worrisome here is similar to the U.N. OIL FOR FOOD program, where it seems that U.S. officials (and certainly the media) find it convenient to look the other way at corruption when it is politically expedient. Simply consider the massive consequeces of the U.N. OIL FOR FOOD PROGRAM -- how much are we hearing about this? If allegations are true, this is one of the biggest frauds in our lifetime.
What is sickening about it is the consequences (Saddam's ongoing tyranny, torturing, etc . . . of millions). The lack of attention is outrageous. U.S. officials seem to be complicit in sweeping this under the carpet -- this travesty that is alleged to have been wrought by close friends of the highest U.N., French and Russian government officials.
Any wonder why the UN Security Council didn't want the US to depose Saddam? To do so would be terrible for business (no concern for ongoing torture, imrisonment and mass killings).
Now consider ...
THE LICENSING FOR IRAQ's mobile networks was won by, it is alleged, COALITION OFFICIALS THAT HAD TAKEN BRIBES IN RIGGING THE BIDS WON BY 3 GSM PROVIDERS. The Pentagon's inspector general investigated -- and brushed the matter under the carpet in December -- clearing U.S. officials of any crime.
Never mind the huge circumstantial evidence of corruption in the granting of the 3 GSM licenses. As the article pointed out, one of the winners involved "Nadhmi Auchi, a wealthy, Iraqi-born British citizen who had been convicted in France in a massive kickback scheme. Auchi's lawyer did not return calls for comment, but Auchi has publicly acknowledged holding a small interest in one of the winning companies."
This guy Shaw stated, "... we're dealing with the most sophisticated money-laundering operation and ruthless group, as ruthless and sophisticated as you'll find in the world".
It is interesting that the LA Times got this story and was provided information that obviously sought to implicate the folks looking to implement CDMA. Not much of substance goes on in LA, as far as I am aware.
Anyone have any thoughts as to the reason for this story. I believe it goes beyond the political, election year jockeying.
These CDMA guys are not giving in. They know thier actions would create controversy, and draw attention to themselves. It will be interesting to see if it also draws attention to the cursory investigation done into the granting of the 3 licenses to the GSM providers.
Very interesting situation ...
