Iraq: “We May Not Be Able To Ban Blackwater”
Agencies:
A senior official on al-Maliki’s staff said the Iraqi government realises that it may not be able to push through a ban on Blackwater USA because the Americans rely so heavily on security firms.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the issue is politically charged.
Several options were being studied, including a new set of regulations and rules of engagement for security convoys, the official said.
He gave no details but said security companies would have to “accept Iraqi law,” and Blackwater would likely have to pay compensation to the victims or their survivors.
The US must also accept amendments to a 2004 directive, issued in the final weeks of the American occupation, which granted contractors, US troops and many other foreign officials immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law, he said.
Security contractors are also not subject to US military law under which US soldiers face prosecution for killing or abusing Iraqis.
The al-Maliki aide said some of the Blackwater guards believed to have been involved in the shooting were Iraqis and could face prosecution in Iraqi courts.
In another sign that a deal may be in the works, Hadi al-Amri, a prominent Shia politician and chairman of the parliamentary security committee, said one way out of the stalemate would be for the company to admit wrongdoing, apologise and pay compensation.
“They are always frightened and that’s why they shoot at civilians,” al-Amri said.
“If Blackwater gets to stay in Iraq, it will have to give guarantees about its conduct.”
Al-Maliki is expected to discuss the issue when he meets George Bush, the US president, next week.
The Iraqi prime minister on Friday left for New York to attend the UN General Assembly session.
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This is laughable. Last I checked, Blackwater was still on duty. Hey but if al-Maliki wants his own security detail…or any other high-ranking Iraqi reps….by all means…go at it alone. When you hear the KABOOM…you’ll be with your 72 virgins(cough).
September 21st, 2007 at 4:50 pm“Captain, sensors detect bullshit readings greater than anything a Federation vessel has ever encountered.”
“Recommend we go to maximum hip waders sir!.”
September 21st, 2007 at 5:30 pm“Al-Maliki is expected to discuss the issue when he meets George Bush…upon which George will tell him to shut the fuck up.”
September 21st, 2007 at 10:15 pmthat “black water” cie seems kind of dangerous organisation, what will happen if they don’t respect the rules of your country anymore ? they can sell their service to any dictator, or they can remove goverments where they want.
we had the exemple of a mercenary Bob Denart (or so) who did remove the goverment of an island in Pacific, (don’t remember the name at the moment)
they are kind of pirats !
September 22nd, 2007 at 2:03 amIraq: “We admit we desperately need Blackwater.
September 22nd, 2007 at 2:44 amBlackwater is a “real” defense force with air transport…
September 22nd, 2007 at 7:07 amThese guys know what their doing with the most highly qualified personnel….They should not have to answer to this bullshit media / propaganda / Terrorist Harry Reid slander….and our homegrown propaganda terrorist just come out of the woodwork when they think they smell blood.
“that “black water” cie seems kind of dangerous organisation… they are kind of pirats !”
With some of the recent experiences of Frenchmen in Algeria with Algerian bodyguards, France might want to consider the same option.
Même le pirate Jean Lafitte n’a pas résisté au drapeau Américain!!
September 22nd, 2007 at 7:59 amMême le pirate Jean Lafitte n’a pas résisté au drapeau Américain!!
c’est parce qu’on a traditionnellement une aversion pour tout ce qui est anglais
et encore un français à qui vous devez votre liberté
and in the occurence the bodyguards in Algeria were algerian policemen, one surely should know they are not trustful, some have sympathety for the GFPC, the former GIA group who gave lately their allegence to AQ
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:28 amFTR make no mistake about this..
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:39 amThe majority of these guys have a highly respected, well trained United States military background…This also means they were law abiding, self sacrificing, well disciplined and highly motivated individuals willing to give their life for their country. A thing to remember as well is they are family men with an opportunity to do what they were trained for. Now being an elite soldier with Americans in harms way, you can say many probaly see a moral cause to their employment. The compensation is what it is but considering this along the lines of a pro athlete and its inherent dangers…the point is mute.
NON!!! No aversion to the English!! And France has been repaid in spades for cock blocking the English by parking boats in the Chesapeake after years of the discomfort of our patriots!!!
Nevertheless we still love the French… those with cajones anyway.
“and in the occurence the bodyguards in Algeria were algerian policemen, one surely should know they are not trustful…”
yes…surely. What’s up with that?
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:43 amJim, I hope so, but in our country such a private army would not be allowed, it might get involved in too many corrupted African countries, and the Frenchs are kind of adventurers in that case ; the patriotic aspect would be secondary
Sully, try wikipedia with GSPC (sorry not GFPC)
September 22nd, 2007 at 9:01 am“Sully, try wikipedia with GSPC (sorry not GFPC)”
Huh?? You didn’t fare so well @ philosophy but now you wanna try history?
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:49 amBring it on…
Sully, I convey, your too subtle, I give up, my phylosophy is some kind of vernish compared to yours
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:08 amoui madame… c’est bon idee
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:28 amil est content le pépère, l’a son nonos
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:37 am