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 Bush 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; same information also found on the Arab Bankers Association website.

Scope of "Services"

In reference to the September 27, 2004, Agence France Presse article "Iraq businesses upbeat despite security fears," which stated that Iraqex was "a US firm involved in a range of activities from manufacturing construction materials to `providing logistics' for US forces ...", Pinto Beans commented December 2, 2005:

"Odd in this article, that included in the list of services Lincoln Group (Iraqex) that they are providing is 'logistics for US forces'. When was the last time that a simple PR firm provides logistical support? Further, what construction materials are they manufacturing, and are there even more hidden contracts, and or secret operations associated with them? The claim of providing US troops with Logistical support has a certain air of AUTHORITY, and makes one wonder if we are looking at something more along the lines of a company created as political pay back for a host of Bush Cronies, including perhaps various members of the World Intelligence Community when we look briefly at the resume of another [Lincoln Group] board member, Andrew Garfield."

Iraq Base Camp

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

Contact Details

United States
Iraqex
1130 17th Street NW
Suite 400
Washington DC 20036
Contact: Christian Bailey, Vice President
Phone: +1 (202) 595-1330 x29 Office
Cell: +1 (866) 406-8469
Fax: +1 (202) 595-0208
Email: christian.bailey AT iraqex.com

Iraq
Fullah Bldg, Third Floor
Kindi Street
District 211
Harthya, Baghdad, Iraq
Telephone: +964 (790) 144-0207
URL: http://www.iraqex.com

Source: "Iraq Private Sector Growth and Employment Generation, ECON II," FBO Daily.com, July 25, 2004 [Notice Date July 23, 2004].

• 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 immediately 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.