Regardless of the outcome of the war, the clear winner's are the contractors who receive government funds. William Hartung whos job it is to track US defence spending for the New America Foundation says "For the companies involved, this has been a real gravy train."

To determine the recipients of government contracts it's necessary to examine the Federal Procurement Data System. This reveals details of over US$400 billion awarded annually by the US government. Over 70% of these contracts are from the US Department of Defence. Then it's important to look at the Pentagon's budgets.

This data can be used to determine the top winners. The largest dollar amount of contracts awarded are to KBR Inc. (Ticker symbol KBR ). KBR is a division of Halliburton ( HAL ). Halliburton has a history of close relations with the government. KBR Inc. has received over $17-billion in revenue from the years 2003-2006 related to helping to rebuild Iraq. KBR Inc. is the biggest construction and energy field-service company in the world.

Veritas Capital Fund is the second largest recipient of Iraq war related government contracts. It invests in aerospace and defence companies.

Washington Group International ( WNG ) is the third largest recipeint of US defence contracts relating to the Iraq war.

The remaining direct recipients include Environmental Chemical, International American Products, Fluor ( FLR ), Perini ( PCR ), Parsons, First Kuwaiti General Trading & Contracting and L-3 Communications ( LLL ). These companies all benefit from contracts to rebuild Iraq's infrastructure, roads, schools, public buildings, law-enforcement, security and related expenditures.

Other War Winners