I survived Blackwater-Former US Official Tells Of Disregard For Iraqi Lives

[kpete]

I survived Blackwater
A former U.S. official received the security company's services -- and witnessed its disregard for Iraqi lives.
By Janessa Gans
October 6, 2007

When the Iraqi government last month demanded the expulsion of Blackwater USA, the private security firm, I had one reaction: It's about time.

As a U.S. official in Baghdad for nearly two years, I was frequently the "beneficiary" of Blackwater's over-the-top zeal. "Just pretend it's a roller coaster," I used to tell myself during trips through downtown Baghdad.

We would careen around corners, jump road dividers, reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and often cross over to the wrong side of the street, oncoming traffic be damned.

But much more appalling than the ride was the deleterious effect each movement through town had on the already beleaguered people of Iraq. I began to wonder whether my meetings, intended to further U.S. policy goals and improve the lives of Iraqis, were doing more harm than good. With our drivers honking at, cutting off, pelting with water bottles (a favorite tactic) and menacing with weapons anyone in their way, how many enemies were we creating?

read the rest at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-gans6oct06,0,6986261.story?coll=la-home-commentary

[me b zola]

1. I wish she would testify...

Or have they finished with the Congressional hearing?

[nightrider767]

2. I Found It Very Interesting

to note that one day the Iraqi's said they want Blackwater out.

And then a week later, they seemed ok with Blackwater...

Very odd, i wonder why?

[Bucky]

3. The worst part is where the Blackwater guys had a valid point...

Until that point I had never mentioned anything to my drivers about their tactics, but this time I could not contain myself.

"Where do you all expect them to go?" I shrieked. "It was an old guy and a family, for goodness' sake. Was it necessary for them to destroy their poor old car?"

My driver responded impassively: "Ma'am, we've been trained to view anyone as a potential threat. You don't know who they might use as decoys or what the risks are. Terrorists could be disguised as anyone."

The saddest thing here is that they were right. That car could very well have been a decoy or even a car bomb itself. The uglier elements in the insurgency would have had no problem with sacrificing three kids to create a more believeable decoy. That would be a pretty smart way to set up a hit on an American target.

This is one more reason why the war should never have happened in the first place. We automatically created an environment in which such barbarities are inevitable. It's like lighting a fire in a hotel and then running around telling everyone they need to take emergency precautions. At some point we need to ask why did the fuckers start this fire to begin with and hold them accountable.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. Shout out to Thomas!

Please, be so kind as to explain the mindset of these cowboys from Blackwater. I have neither the experience or insight..

[cali]

5. Wow. I'd love to know more about this woman.

What was her position, etc. And I'd love to see her testify in front of Congress.

[Yael]

6. This is very important. Kicking and nominating.