Iraqex

Iraqex (Iraqex LLC) was "formed with the backing of Lincoln Asset Management Group [1][2] with the assistance of a cadre of investors, to pursue private sector opportunities in Iraq. Iraqex brings a unique combination of expertise in collecting and exploiting information; structuring transactions; and mitigating risks through due diligence, legal strategies and security. Iraqex has developed subsidiaries and private equity investments in Iraq spanning commercial real estate, manufacturing, metals, transportation, and communications.

"Iraqex recently won a three-year contract to provide all Public Relations, outreach, and media monitoring & analysis for Coalition Forces across Iraq. This includes:

• Providing Strategic Counsel
• Creation of a Strategic Public Relations and Advertising Plan
• Outreach to Target Audiences
• Research, Polling and Media Monitoring
• Production Advice and Support
• Development of Products
• Recruiting, Training, and Preparing local Spokespersons
• Development of a Rapid Reaction Team
• Advanced Information Systems

"This is the PR challenge of the decade: how to alter Iraqis' perceptions of the Coalition Forces. We've been given wide latitude and urged to be creative in the approaches we take. We also have a good budget and use of the Coalition's assets across Iraq.

"Iraqex benefits from strong relationships in Iraq, the U.S. and internationally. In Iraq, it has cultivated relationships with the Iraqi national government, municipalities, tribal leaders, prominent families, and the business community. Iraqex has a thriving network of offices from Basra in the South to Zakho in the North and has worked with over 300 Iraqi journalists. In the U.S., Iraqex partners enjoy select relationships in Congress," the Administration, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Export-Import Bank of the United States, and the U.S. Department of State.

Source: WetFeet: "The Internship Search Engine" (11/8/2004), accessed June 14, 2005.

Iraq Base Camp

The "company's base at Camp Victory (within Baghdad International Airport) and Erbil in the Kurdish North." [3]

Contact details

• URL http://www.iraqex.com home page captured on http://consummatewaiter.com/ website; additional links do not work.
• URL: http://www.iraqex.com will bring up the Iraqex website, but immediate redirects to the Lincoln Group website.

External Links

Websites

• WetFeet: "The Internship Search Engine," last updated November 8, 2004.

Job Announcements

• Iraqex Announcement for Chief Operating Officer and Vice President Operations, Arab Bankers Association of North America (ABANA) website, December 3, 2004.

About Iraqex

• Iraqex, ababo.com, undated: "Iraqex has developed a number of businesses in Iraq spanning commercial real estate, manufacturing, metals, transportation, and communications Tel +964 790 137 4965 Baghdad +964 780 101 9240 Basra."
• Advertisement: "IRAQEX: Iraq Business Exchange," Iraq Business Journal, undated. See box in upper righthand corner of page: Iraqex "is pursuing investments and developing joint ventures with local businesses in Iraq. Iraqex staff travel and operate freely throughout the country. We take a very aggressive approach and immerse ourselves in the social, political, and business environments of the varied provinces and cities across Iraq. Our participation in the social, political, and business events of the country provides us with unique insight and understanding of the situation. We rely on a vast group of locals who assist us in security, due diligence, negotiations, relationship building, and other tasks vital to the development of secure, sustainable business." URL: www.iraqex.com.

Articles & Commentary

• "Iraq businesses upbeat despite security fears," Agence France Presse, September 27, 2004: "Paige Craig, executive vice president of Iraqex, a US firm involved in a range of activities from manufacturing construction materials to 'providing logistics' for US forces, disagreed with the general view that the security situation was deteriorating. ... 'People think it's getting worse because they only pay attention to foreigners (who are being taken hostage and often executed). But it's definitely more secure now than it was' a year ago, he told AFP."
• "Iraq: Advertising the Best Intentions," PR Watch, September 30, 2004.
• John McCaslin, "Inside Track: Risky Affairs," Washington Times, October 6, 2004: " For his end of the bargain, Uncle Sam will provide office space, supplies and e-mail service, along with living space, health care and dining facilities for the firm's employees while in Iraq."
• Bilmon, "Blowback," Whiskey Bar, June 12, 2005.