Iraq cabinet approves law to end contractors' immunity

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Iraq cabinet approves law to end contractors' immunity
30 Oct 2007 11:39:05 GMT

By Mariam Karouny

BAGHDAD, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Iraq's cabinet approved
a law on Tuesday to remove private security firms'
immunity from prosecution in Iraq, Iraqi government
spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told Reuters.

"The cabinet has approved a law that will put non-Iraqi
firms and those they employ under Iraqi law," Dabbagh
told Reuters after a cabinet meeting.

Dabbagh said the new law, which has now been referred
to parliament, would revoke the immunity given to foreign
contractors under Order 17, a controversial measure
passed by the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority
in 2004.

The law would also make foreign guards subject to
searches at Iraqi security force checkpoints and
require them to carry weapons licenses. Foreign
security companies would also have to register in Iraq.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30264226.htm

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. all due to blackwater's "shoot first, and then shoot anyone asking questions"

policy.

I still cannot believe that the State Dept. went in and offered everyone involved in the Sept. Murders full immunity. Are they fucking nuts?

[ShortnFiery]

2. I can envision the present Blackwater Policy as follows

RAT-TA-TA-TAT A-TAT RA-TA-TA-TAT "Stop or I'll shoot!" ... "ALL CLEAR!" :crazy:

Ok Guys, this is the Golden Goose EGG: "Immunity for all! Kill em' while it's in effect. However, you're going to have to make an effort to GO COVERT with killings beginning in the near future because the natives are getting pissy." :(

:thumbsdown:

[The Backlash Cometh]

8. Democracy is a bitch.

Now we get to see if the government that we set up in Iraq is a puppet government, of if it really has the elements of a sovereign democratic nation.

One thing for sure, if the people who did the shooting are still in Iraq, that some stupid men.

[Vinca]

3. Maybe hatred for the U.S. will unite Iraq. nt

[ShortnFiery]

6. What's absolutely tragic is that, RAW hatred for what the U.S. has done in the Middle East ...

beginning way back in our 1953's support for the coup (ousted the DEMOCRATICALLY elected leader of Iran) has been fueling the flames of this hatred for over fifty years. However, our latest invasions and occupations of both Afghanistan and Iraq only drive the point home in a REAL HORRIFIC way. Further, OBL couldn't have done a better job at recruiting young men to kill Americans on his own - we gave him a hell of a lot of help in the disgustingly vicious foreign policy of the recent past. For example, "Shock and Awe?" :wtf: was that about save for stirring up hatred of Americans (and the smattering of Coalition Forces - TO INCLUDE Poland :eyes: )?

IMO, we need to "get serious" about breaking our dependence on fossil fuels. At the same time (immediately!) we need to get "our flock" (all military occupations) OUT of The Middle East Arena. I have NO DOUBT that if we ceased with the above occupations and stand firm on our efforts to SERVE as a NEUTRAL MODERATOR with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (WAR!), the amorphous *they* wouldn't follow us over here.

[Stargazer99]

4. Now if only Joe Six Pac would show some balls to this administration

[tom_paine]

5. Do these pathetic vassals REALLY think they can challenge Imperial Bushie Power?

Someone's looking to get blown away by an "insurgent death-squad", and the Bushies will undoubtely oblige...

[ChairmanAgnostic]

10. tom, looking at Afghanistan and Iraq from afar,

we may win every single battle, but we continue to lose the war.

[Kagemusha]

7. So they're finally moving on this.

In theory, I think it's a good thing, but.. there seems to be no planning for a contractor exodus. Surely they realize that without contractors, the occupation is forfeit?

[Shadoobie]

9. "When they stand up, we'll stand down"

Who would have thought that it would mean standing up to US?

Greg