About 25, 000 private contractors from three companies protect diplomats, reconstruction workers and government officials in Iraq.

CNN: Iraqi official: Blackwater staying on 'is bad news'

Returning now to the new Pentagon Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance: There are three substantive operations within the Office, each under a civilian coordinator: Humanitarian Relief, Reconstruction, and Civil Administration.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Post-War Planning

Political bickering in Tokyo delayed reconstruction efforts for at least three months, say local officials.

ECONOMIST: Japan after the 3/11 disaster