Thursday, July 5, 2007

Iraq

The NYT fronts a look at the mental-health problems that private contractors who worked in Iraq are facing, which are very similar to those plaguing U.S. servicemembers. It's often more difficult for private contractors to get proper treatment because they have to find their own medical care. There have been 205 claims filed for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder; everyone suspects there are many more cases, but there's no systematic check so it's likely that many who have problems might not know it or could be reluctant to admit it. A few weeks ago, the LAT looked into the issue and found that insurance often denied requests for treatment when it involved a psychological disorder. Also, although the LAT revealed new numbers yesterday and reported that there are at least 180,000 private contractors in Iraq, the NYT today says there are "up to 126,000." Does the NYT not believe the LAT's number?

http://www.slate.com/id/2169845/fr/nl/

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