Iraq Hospital Contract Canceled

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RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

And here's some more news about Parsons, the company businessman Aziz Kudari(ph) worked for.

The Army Corps of Engineers has cancelled a major rebuilding contract with Parsons. The Commander of the corps division administering the project says Parsons had failed to complete the work on time, and the project will now be turned over to Iraqi companies.

Parsons had been given a $70 million contract to refurbish 20 hospitals. They had completed most or all of the work on only twelve. Gen. William McCoy, the commander, did not blame Parsons for all the problems involved with the project, but said he had no choice but to act. American efforts to improve Iraq's failed healthcare system are seen as a way to show ordinary Iraqis that the invasion, three years ago, is helping improve their lives.

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This is MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.

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