Iraq's economy is forecasted to grow at a rate of 4 percent this year, and accelerate into the double digits next year. Per capita income is nearly double what it was two years ago.

Both the US Defense Department (Army Corps of Engineers) and the State Department have roles in reconstruction, however, the Iraq Project and Contracting Office (PCO) manages most of the pledged $18 billion.

As we watched the work progress, it became clear that this job was more complicated than this one contractor could accomplish.

Starting about late 2004, we were finding out that security constrained our ability to build all the things we wanted to.

We're building for the future. Our belief is that planning for the future and setting ambitious goals ultimately helps the Iraqis achieve their goals.

People come to Northwest Arkansas because they hear about the economy. But they end up working a minimum wage job. The cost of living here is so high, they can't save any money. If they have a bad week for tips, they are hungry.