Let me tell you a place where the profits are sure,
A place that’s been ravaged by sanctions and war.
"Not for me," you might say, "not a choice bus’ness billet."
"But wait" I reply, "Sam’s determined to frill it."
(Death and taxes, not as certain,
As work here for Halliburton.)

While congressional spending on our shores is slack,
There’s no shortage of money to rebuild Iraq.
Cheaper vendors in Baghdad, your profits won’t wizen,
Once your foot’s in the door, there’s no competition.
(An occupation can be swell
With Beltway contacts like Bechtel.)

For pipelines and bridges, for schools and for roads,
Americans dutifully shoulder the loads.
For Iraqi improvements we’ve such a great yen,
That when they get blown, we just build them again.
(Don’t just flag-wave and salute,
Sub-contract with Brown & Root.)

All honest folks now shake their heads and confess,
There’s no easy way to escape from this mess.
But look at the bright side, though your country is stuck,
If you’re smart and connected, you’ll make a good buck.
(Someone’s gotta end up flush
When those billions start to gush.)

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