Blackwater, Iraq & Privatized Security

After a controversial shootout, the Iraqi government revoked the operational license of Blackwater USA, an American security firm with at least 1,000 paramilitary soldiers in Iraq. Whether Blackwater actually leaves the country remains to be seen, but the incident highlights the growing controversy surrounding contracted security. The debate reignites with prescient timing, as President Bush recently announced that, if stability continues to improve, US troop levels in Iraq will be reduced by the end of the year.

Submission: Obervations of a Contractor

ANONYMOUS - This article was submitted to The Issue by a contractor who recently returned from Iraq. Due to the sensitivity of his work, the author asked to remain anonymous. --- I left the US to work in Iraq just following the bombing of the Shi’ite mosque in Samara February 2006, sparking the wave of sectarian violence that has lasted more than eighteen months. In my year working as a civilian contractor trying to help establish a central government in Iraq, I had frequent encounters with Personal Security Detachments (PSDs) such as Blackwater. Even as the Surge was picking up and more American combat...

Mercenaries, Hidden Crimes, and Moral Debts

FUNCTIONALISM IN ACTION - But this piece of information draws to light a very disturbing trend that has somehow slipped underneath the radar of the public at large: the US forces are increasingly reliant upon the use of 'private' government contractors in lieu of military force. Back in December the 5th, 2006, the Washington Post had an article which stated that there were roughly 100,000 government contractors -- not counting subcontractors -- operating in Iraq. In contrast, the US Government admitted to there being roughly 25,000 private contractor personnel -- and even then, the casualties of contractors is not included...

Blackwater Blackballed

CAPTAINS QUARTERS - The State Department has already begun its own review of the incident, and it has pledged to cooperate with the Iraqis. They have to tread carefully, as much is at stake. We need to hold people accountable for excessive use of force, and that means on an individual basis as well as on a corporate basis. However, Blackwater and other security firms supply the US with a great deal of flexibility, providing security for journalists, visiting dignitaries, and the thousands of rebuilding projects that we hope will make life better for the Iraqis. Without their assistance, we ould have to increase...

9.18.07

07:54 AM -

Good, in moderation.

DPY - I like post three's reminder that many of these paramilitary firms provide logistical support for humanitarian efforts, visiting dignitaries and other non-combat related missions in Iraq. Under strict guidelines this is absolutely acceptable and allows our combat troops ample time to focus on offensive operations, however Blackwater’s recent troubles speak volumes to the fact that we need to ensure that we don't have a force of private vigilantes and contract killers.

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