The security contractor was ordered by the Interior Ministry of Iraq to leave the war-torn nation following reports that it used excessive force in a battle in Baghdad that took the lives of at least eight civilians. However, the private defense firm's close ties to the United States government and various legal complexities may prove to be obstacles for those who want Blackwater gone.
TPMmuckraker:
A Post reporter on the scene in Mansour witnessed Blackwater's Little Bird helicopters "firing into the streets."
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Unlike other private U.S. security firms in Iraq, as of May, Blackwater hadn't registered with the Iraqi government to operate in Iraq. The Coalition Provisional Authority -- the now-defunct occupational government -- issued a decree in 2004 (pdf) immunizing security contractors from Iraqi prosecution and placing their operations under the jurisdiction of U.S. authorities.
Blackwater — which basically operates a large, private militia payed for by the US — has a history of poor conduct. And since it cannot be held to Iraqi law, its workers have gotten away with a lot. In addition, the secretive and controversial firm has been accused of vastly overcharging the US for its services. Like other corporate giants with suspected ties to the Bush administration, Blackwater has been hired through many no-bid contracts.
2 comments:
The response of the Blackwater personnel was right. They were attacked and have every right to defend the Package and themselves. The Iraqi's knew what was going to happen, but, they did nothing about. As far, as Blackwater being censured. The Iraqi Goverment has no authority as Blackwater is under contract to the US goverment. Blackwater does not have to register with the Iraq's, unless they want to secure contracts with civilian companies.
I spent last year operating within the city of Ramadi and from first hand knowledge, not one IED attack, ambush or small arms attack occurred without the locals knowing about it. So, incidents like this are going to occur until the Iraqi's wake up and figure it out and that is " Don't kill the Americans, they won't kill us and they will leave.
I appreciate your perspective.
However, hegemony and bullying is not the way to go. The civilians are not there voluntarily -- that is their home. Security contractors, on the other hand, are risking their lives voluntarily.
Do you really think inflicting collective punishment upon the civilian population will help the security of foreign forces? It will only increase insurgence and support for terrorism. Why do you think some locals support the insurgency? Iraq doesn't need more private militias with little or no oversight.
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