Some members of Congress are pushing a plan that would see money -loaned- to Iraq for rebuilding efforts instead of it simply coming out of American taxpayers’ pockets. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says international statutes make it clear that an occupying nation can use the resources of the conquered country to repair the damage done by war. Grassley’s not sure the idea would fly in Congress though.He says some of his colleagues would argue there’s no one in Iraq who could sign for the loan as the government was toppled. Grassley says that argument is no good as the provisional government set up by the U.S. in Iraq -has- been recognized by the United Nations and a number of Muslim nations. Still, Grassley remains undecided on the issue. He fears the Congressional debate about money could interfere with U.S. peacekeeping efforts in Iraq.
