Scrap

The New York Times finally has something to say about the export of scrap metal from Iraq--the new growth industry there. I beat them to the story by a month (scroll down to "The Cost of Doing Business There Just Rose Dramatically").

According to the Times, some folks have a pretty loose definition of what constitutes scrap metal. The Ministry of Trade initially adopted liberal regulations regarding exports, but it looks like they might have to adjust them, as these days everything from oil rig components to water plant parts to whole buildings are being trucked across the border. This stuff will eventually need to be replaced--presumably providing more income for Halliburton. And, who knows--maybe it will give them something to haul besides "sailboat fuel."