Ex Blackwater workers may return to Iraq (working for another mercenary firm)

[Mari333]

BAGHDAD — Late last month Blackwater Worldwide lost its billion-dollar contract to protect American diplomats here, but by next month many if not most of its private security guards will be back on the job in Iraq.


The same individuals will just be wearing new uniforms, working for Triple Canopy, the firm that won the State Department’s contract after Iraqi officials refused to renew Blackwater’s operating license, according to American diplomats, private security industry officials and Iraqi officials. Blackwater — viewed in Iraq as a symbol of American violence and impunity — lost the contract after being accused of excessive force in several instances, particularly an apparently unprovoked shooting in downtown Baghdad in 2007 in which 17 civilians were killed.











http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/04/world/middleeast/04blackwater.html

and more on "Triple Canopy"

http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/134594/obama%27s_blackwater_chicago_mercenary_firm_gets_millions_for_private_"%3Bsecurity"%3B_in_israel_and_iraq_/




I spoke with one of my son's friends who just got back from Iraq. He told me that the soldiers really resent the hell out of these mercenaries . He said they are assigned tasks that the soldiers used to do, but are being paid 15,000 a week to haul porta potties around...meanwhile, the soldiers themselves are coming home to homelessness and no jobs.

[elleng]

1. Inform the President and Secretary Gates about this, please.

THANKS to your son and friends.

[ProgressIn2008]

2. They're well aware. Per Jeremy Scahill:

http://www.alternet.org/story/134594/obama%27s_blackwater_chicago_mercenary_firm_gets_millions_for_private_%22security%22_in_israel_and_iraq/