International back-handers

Is there any realistic difference between the Pentagon's stance on considering companies for the contracts for the reconstruction of Iraq, and say acouncilorr who hands out key council contracts to his friends? Or a government who refuses to consider companies for big national projects unless they make large donations to their party funds?

I don't think so.

Refusing to consider handing out contracts to people linked to those with opposingng political views is in my mind corruption.