Rumsfeld Defunds Most Sucessful Program in Iraq

Military Uses Hussein Hoard For Swift Aid

The speed and ease with which reconstruction money is being handed out by the military here contrasts sharply with the delays and controversy surrounding the handling of major reconstruction funds by the Pentagon and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of the 101st, said the money has been critical to keeping people employed and providing tangible evidence the occupation powers are helping the populace -- which he believes keeps his soldiers safer.

"Money is the most powerful ammunition we have," Petraeus said in an interview.

Yes, it was the most powerful tool commanders have had. But as of now, it has been cut off.