The United States has awarded a $4.8 million contract to Stevedoring Services of America to manage the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr, which is under US and British control. This contract, part of a series of civilian contracts for Iraq's post-war reconstruction, aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian supplies and improve port operations. The process has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and limited competition, as only a select group of US firms were invited to bid. Discussions around the war's justification highlight differing views on the US's role in Iraq, with some questioning the legality of the invasion and the impact on Iraqi civilians. The overall sentiment reflects a mix of skepticism about US intentions and concerns over the consequences of military actions.