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The attempt to minimize cost and maximize profits often…

“The attempt to minimize cost and maximize profits often interfered with our true mission in Iraq. We should have been working to get jobs for Iraqis, but the contractors found it cheaper to import Nepalese and others. This increased resentment, contributed to unemployment, and to our losing the…” quote by Joseph Stiglitz
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“The attempt to minimize cost and maximize profits often interfered with our true mission in Iraq. We should have been working to get jobs for Iraqis, but the contractors found it cheaper to import Nepalese and others. This increased resentment, contributed to unemployment, and to our losing the hearts and minds of the Iraqis.”

Joseph Stiglitz

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Prioritizing profit over local employment undermines mission goals and fuels resentment.

In simple terms: Focusing on profit hurt local jobs and trust.

Key Takeaway

Balance profit with local hiring.

Themes

economics development politics

Mood

critical reflective

Type

policy analytical

When to use this quote

  • government contracts
  • NGO projects
  • reconstruction efforts

Key Concepts

foreign aid labor markets corruption

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can contracts align profit with local benefit?
  • What safeguards prevent exploitation?
A Different Perspective

Profit motives can conflict with humanitarian aims.

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