In 1998, the last year of available figures, American contractors signed 41 agreements with 17 countries.

Officials would not comment on whether any American contractors had been hired.

But many trends seem to be turning against American contractors.

Industry officials say the case could also set an important precedent for future sales of American contractors abroad.

The most prominent American contractors are here, but they have scaled back.

Foreign corporations have also been acquiring a small but growing number of American contractors.

On that front, pitted against American military contractors, he has more than met his match.

But the financial health of American contractors may also be considered.

The identity of the wounded American contractor was not released by the military.

Some in Congress worry about the loss of business to American contractors.