Private security firms in war zones worry NGOs

[seemslikeadream]

11 Aug 2004

By Paul Keilthy

LONDON (AlertNet) - In the cities and along the roads of Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of private security contractors are profiting from work that has traditionally belonged to the military -- guarding convoys, patrolling neighbourhoods and even exchanging gunfire with local militia.

Dressed in civilian clothes but packing lethal firepower, their presence is reassuring to many involved in reconstruction efforts after a string of attacks on foreign workers, including high-profile abductions and gruesome beheadings.

Yet aid workers say the growing number of private security contractors, most lacking accountability and training in humanitarian law, comes as the latest blurring of the boundary between humanitarian and military intervention.

“Non-state armed actors operating for profit create unique problems for humanitarians,” Kenny Gluck, director of operations for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holland, told AlertNet.
more
http://www.alertnet.org/thefacts/reliefresources/109223838271.htm

[NMDemDist2]

1. i wonder how long til Dr's without borders (MSF) leave Iraq

like they left Afghanistan

[soothsayer]

2. All the Iraqi doctors and other professionals are trying to get the hell

outa Iraq themselves. They are being systematically targeted for assassination. Hundreds in the last couple of months.

[seemslikeadream]

3. So true - Your Iraq: Doctors feel the pain

Your Iraq: Doctors feel the pain


Zeiny: Doctors "are not appreciated

But at the same time, the medical infrastructure was subjected to looting and destruction.

It happened to all public facilities except the Ministry of Petroleum.

The American forces didn't do anything to prevent looting of hospitals and universities.

Unfortunately, a year after the invasion, the situation has worsened.

Cronyism emerged again. Doctors are not appreciated and salaries are based solely on the number years spent in public service, so an office clerk can earn more than a doctor.

In short, we feel that we are back to where we were.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/3711533.stm