Breaking: Iraq Backs Down On Blackwater Ban
BAGHDAD (AP) — The Iraqi government said Tuesday that a ban on Blackwater USA was not permanent but warned it planned to review the immunity enjoyed by some private security companies following a fatal shooting of civilians near a State Department convoy.
A series of bombings, meanwhile, ripped through Baghdad, killing at least 18 people and wounding dozens, police said.
Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said he understood the need for protection for Westerners and dignitaries but that preliminary findings showed Blackwater used excessive force in Sunday’s shooting.
He said more than 20 people were killed and 35 wounded — more than double the death toll released by the Interior Ministry.
Related from NY Times:
In a statement today, the anti-American Shiite cleric, Moktada al-Sadr, called for an investigation and said that the government should annul “this company’s and all other intelligence and criminal companies’ contracts.”
Details of the shooting Sunday are still unclear. Bombs were going off in the area at the time, and shots were fired at the convoy, American officials said.
“There was a firefight,” said Sean McCormack, the principal State Department spokesman. “We believe some innocent life was lost. Nobody wants to see that. But I can’t tell you who was responsible for that.”
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That’s what I thought, they were just getting their we both hate the contractors points with the locals they know they can’t afford to ban Blackwater who would protect their sorry asses.
September 18th, 2007 at 7:36 amCouldn’t of said it better myself, Mike.
September 18th, 2007 at 7:43 amWithout security, the Iraqi leadership is dead. Smart move.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:07 amGo al sadr!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:13 amjust kidding
September 18th, 2007 at 9:13 amCan someone tell me if any group claimed responsibility for the Bridge Killings of the Blackwater men in Fallujah?? Was it Sadrs men or AQ? Did we ever get them?
September 18th, 2007 at 12:05 pmLftBhndAgn:
I believe that issue was settled after we smashed the scumbags in Falluja awhile back. If I remember correctly, the people that did that were not AQ. They were other Sunni extremists, who now are working with us.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:49 pm