Ex-Blackwater Workers May Return to Iraq Jobs

[lanlady]

Source: New York Times

April 4, 2009
Ex-Blackwater Workers May Return to Iraq Jobs
By ROD NORDLAND

BAGHDAD — Late last month Blackwater Worldwide lost its billion-dollar contract to protect American diplomats here, but by next month many if not most of its private security guards will be back on the job in Iraq.

The same individuals will just be wearing new uniforms, working for Triple Canopy, the firm that won the State Department’s contract after Iraqi officials refused to renew Blackwater’s operating license, according to American diplomats, private security industry officials and Iraqi officials. Blackwater — viewed in Iraq as a symbol of American violence and impunity — lost the contract after being accused of excessive force in several instances, particularly an apparently unprovoked shooting in downtown Baghdad in 2007 in which 17 civilians were killed.

Despite the torrent of public criticism against Blackwater, American officials say they are relieved that the old guards will stay on. Otherwise, Triple Canopy, they say, would not be able to field enough qualified guards, with the proper security clearances, before the new contract goes into effect in May.

“There is just no other way to do it,” said one Western diplomat, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he is not permitted to discuss the issue publicly.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/04/world/middleeast/04blackwater.html

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A merc by any other name...

[Mari333]

1. more on triple canopy and Obama continuing to fund these assholes

with our tax monies...

same old shit..


http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/134594/obama%27s_blackwater_chicago_mercenary_firm_gets_millions_for_private_"%3Bsecurity"%3B_in_israel_and_iraq_/

[ixion]

5. meet the new boss, same as the old boss

They re-brand the same old crap and try to call it change. :puke:

[Solly Mack]

2. Snort

“There is just no other way to do it,”

Of course not

[Amonester]

4. the Game

"he is not permitted to discuss the issue publicly"

he must be under control of some secret mafia or somethin'

[Mari333]

6. since its our money thats paying for mercenaries

it should be an OPEN BOOK for discussion...

[Solly Mack]

10. hehe

Not permitted...other to stress there just isn't any other way

he can't talk about it...but he just wants everyone to know....even if he can't tell...that there just wasn't any other way...but he can't tell you why because he can't talk about it...but trust him...there was just no other way..

[Mari333]

3. k

[olegramps]

7. The more things CHANGE the more they stay the SAME.

Just loving all these changes. How about the nice love in at the White House with the banksters that have ripped off the system and are walking away with, not millions, but billions.

[gulfcoastliberal]

16. Not billions, trillions. And counting.

These wars are humanitarian disasters and a majority of people in both Afghanistan and Iraq consistently make clear their desire for us to end the occupation. How many more lives need be lost before we honor their desire? Such a tragedy.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

8. I am shocked that anyone here is surprised at this...

Happens with just about every gov contract of this type. The people stay in place the name on the contract and pay check changes.

[Mari333]

9. I was screaming about mercenaries being used in US occupations for the last 7 yrs

and I am still going to scream about it. I dont care who is in the WH. and no, I didnt expect the current admin to be much more then patsies for the same corporate whores who own both parties.
wrong is wrong. paid mercenaries are wrong.

[lynnertic]

13. It's either this, or the draft.

the US isn't going to un-occupy Iraq and Afghanistan as quickly as you want it, and you don't want a draft.

[Mari333]

15. 3rd option...Get the Fuck out of both occupations

asap....fuck occupying these countries..pack it up now and get the hell out. the only reason we are in either place is to secure OIL company contracts..thats IT. its bullshit. and our kids pay the fucking price.

and if we stay in these fucking hellholes and corporate occupations, then I FULLY SUPPORT a DRAFT.

[lanlady]

11. anyone know how much these guys cost the taxpayer?

My guess is $250,000 each/year in salary, insurance, perks. Probably more, since much of their pay package is not subject to US income tax.

[Mari333]

12. 1200 per day....

fuckers.

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/erbe/2007/10/04/blackwater-pay-insults-the-military.html

[chill_wind]

14. Scahill video on Triple Canopy

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x291765

Other recent DU discussion:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5376064

K & R