Security in Iraq shifts to private companies

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/18/1079199367933.html

The US-led authority in Iraq plans to spend up to $US100 million ($135 million) over 14 months to hire private security to protect the green zone, the 10 square kilometre area in Baghdad that houses most US Government employees and some of the private contractors working there.

The US military guards the green zone now. But the Coalition Provisional Authority wants to give much of the work to contractors to free US forces to confront a violent insurgency.

The companies would employ former military personnel and guard the area for a year after political authority is transferred to an interim Iraqi government on June 30.

The green zone, surrounded by five-metre walls and barbed wire, is on the west bank of the Tigris River. It is a relatively secure home, office and relaxation area for more than 3000 people in what is an increasingly dangerous city.

more

[w4rma]

1. Dead private security isn't listed in the news as "dead soldiers". (n/t)

[rustydog]

2. Another payoff to big business

You can call it private security, but these will be ex-special forces types...If Iraq did this prior to the invasion, we'd be accusing them of hiring mercenaries.

paid private soldiers are not security guards, they are mercenaries.
several companies exist and 100 million in a yesr is one hell of a boost to the payroll of the lucky company.
Perhaps the company CEO served under the commanding General?
he couldn't have served under Bush, bush ditched his uniform in '72.

[izzie]

3. I would like to see CNN do something on this.

The death count has to go down if Bush is to get in so they will have to pull US forces back and do this. I have sent a few item in to DU on this and glad to see some information is starting to turn up so we get a feel for this. Maybe we should be sure the party does say something on this also.

[Loco_moco]

4. The privatization of war...

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/foreignaffairs/story/0,11538,1103724,00.html


..an interesting read...




peace;
rob

[Barrett808]

5. Hope these guys get good hazard pay n/t

[PATRICK]

6. Middle East Iraq Company

East India Company. Probably the model all along and probably much expanded in future conquests.

[Jacobin]

7. I guess the "dancing in the streets" is getting out of hand

/sarcasm

[pfitz59]

9. Medieval Times

"A fortress deep and mighty...." It's the Anglo-Norman reinvasion of the Holy Lands. Yep, a crusade, complete with castles and mercenaries....

[KoKo]

8. Mercenarys. Does anyone wonder what happens when you Privatize

Soldiers? What if they suddenly turn...having no allegiance to anything but a paycheck?