Reply #18: Latest WikiLeak cable from The Guardian

[molly77]

Problems with the mercenaries in Iraq:

"According to a China National Petroleum Company (CNPC) security team was stopped in Basrah city by the Iraqi police in a 'clear attempt to disrupt and cause panic to the clients.' said that the Iraqi police stopped the convoy and showed a letter from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) stating that as of January 12, personal security teams now faced a more restrictive weapons regime. The situation was eventually resolved, and the convoy was released, but said that this episode could presage a more restrictive posture towards security firms 'in retaliation or the Blackwater verdict'," wrote Naland.

The cable also says that security companies are being encouraged by the Iraqi government and the oil companies to employ more Iraqis and less westerners in frontline jobs.

"According to XXXXXXXXXX, the GOI is anxious to 'get rid of all the white faces carrying guns' in their streets," it reads.

Afghan authorities last week arrested a British private security company employee and sentenced him to eight months in jail, the latest move in the government's crackdown on private security firms. Global Strategies Group consultant Michael Hearn was arrested last Wednesday for allegedly failing to register weapons with the government.