Private Security Puts Diplomats, Military at Odds

[cal04]

Source: Washington Post

Contractors in Iraq Fuel Debate

A confrontation between the U.S. military and the State Department is unfolding over the involvement of Blackwater USA in the shooting deaths of Iraqi civilians in a Baghdad square Sept. 16, bringing to the surface long-simmering tensions between the military and private security companies in Iraq, according to U.S. military and government officials.

In high-level meetings over the past several days, U.S. military officials have pressed State Department officials to assert more control over Blackwater, which operates under the department's authority, said a U.S. government official with knowledge of the discussions. "The military is very sensitive to its relationship that they've built with the Iraqis being altered or even severely degraded by actions such as this event," the official said.

"This is a nightmare," said a senior U.S. military official. "We had guys who saw the aftermath and it was very bad. This is going to hurt us badly. It may be worse than Abu Ghraib, and it comes at a time when we're trying to have an impact for the long term." The official was referring to the prison scandal that emerged in 2004 in which some U.S. soldiers tortured and abused Iraqis.

(snip)
In interviews involving a dozen U.S. military and government officials, many expressed anger and concern over the shootings in Nisoor Square, in Baghdad's Mansour neighborhood. Some worried it could undermine the military's efforts to stabilize Iraq this year with an offensive involving thousands of reinforcements.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/25/AR2007092502675.html?hpid=topnews

[Trillo]

1. Perhaps this story is why we've had so many distractions

recently.

[KeepItReal]

2. *Condi* is supposed to rein in Blackwater?

How is that supposed to work?

[DLnyc]

3. Perhaps this is why condi lately looks like she's swallowed a dead rat

(Just my opinion, though)

[MetaTrope]

9. Yes, she prefers live rats

[ClayZ]

4. K and R

[Theduckno2]

5. We have had to listen to the relentless drone, "Support the Troops".

But I guess it is OK to kick the State Department in the teeth.

I remember seeing a book with the State Department's internal security forces as its subject.

Why do they have to contract out their security? Oh yeah, the Republicans are/were in charge and they privatize everything.

Other posters are of the opinion that this issue just won't be going away and I agree.

[DLnyc]

6. Interesting times, when the Army seems more reasonable then the

State Department.

Powell, for a while, was seen as 'the grown-up' exercising some moderating influence over Dumsfeld.

Now seems like a bitter and battered U.S. Army has a more realistic view of things than Condi's hyper-politicized State Dept.

Time Wounds all Heels, I guess

[Rottenmac]

7. Americans and their short memories...

The official was referring to the prison scandal that emerged in 2004 in which some U.S. soldiers tortured and abused Iraqis.

How many have forgotten in 'Bill-O' and 'Rushland' about this? How many dismiss it as liberal media bias against frat-house hazing-like activities?

How can someone forget THAT? The WaPo shouldn't have to remind ANYONE about those things, and yet they must due to the medias lack of coverage and outrage over these things.

I am so full of venom for everything that has passed in this new century. I really can't do anything but scream at the TV and drink. And now my voice is gone.

[Kagemusha]

10. "Some" US soldiers eh. I read Bush told Maliki the "people responsible" were punished.

Well that was a bald-faced lie, because Rumsfeld's policies were responsible, but a few grunts were blamed.

[oscarmitre]

8. It'll be on for young and old

if there's a shootin' match between the two some time in the future.

[annabanana]

11. big old kick

People need to know what our Military thinks of these thugs...

[bobthedrummer]

12. "Security Company Death Squads Timeline by Dirk Adriaensens and Sarah Meyer"

cross-posted thread that has extensive Blackwater links and articles on 19 other mercenaries
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x309935

"The Far Right in West Michigan: Erik Prince" from Media Mouse.org
http://www.mediamouse.org/resources/right.php?personId=8

Source Watch.org profile
"Erik Prince"
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Erik_Prince

Anyone remember when Dennis Kucinich, a member of a House Committee where hearings involving Blackwater were held, made the for the record comment that executives testimony should be considered as accessories to murder?

IMPEACH CHENEY FIRST

[bobthedrummer]

14. kick

IMPEACH CHENEY FIRST

[tuckessee]

13. Pot meet Kettle.

It's laughable for the US military to criticize the abuses of the PMC's when they have been doing exactly the same thing.

The regular military is jealous of the PMC's. Some of it is due to the always present resentment regulars hold against the whole spec ops community.

They are also bitter because the PMC's get better pay, better benefits and can quit at any time.