Iraq Ministry yanks Blackwater's license.

[BobRossi]

"BAGHDAD - The Interior Ministry said Monday that it was pulling the license of an American security firm allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of civilians during an attack on a U.S. State Department motorcade in Baghdad."

<snip>

"Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul-Karim Khalaf said eight people were killed and 13 were wounded when security contractors working for Blackwater USA opened fire in a predominantly Sunni neighborhood of western Baghdad.

"We have canceled the license of Blackwater and prevented them from working all over Iraqi territory. We will also refer those involved to Iraqi judicial authorities," Khalaf said."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070917/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_070916185964;_ylt=AqO9CkTgoJvAKMLjeJaWU4kE1vAI

[Richard Steele]

1. Anyone really think Blackwater will be leaving Iraq now?

:eyes:

[OnionPatch]

7. My first thought was

the Blackwater guys laughing at the thought they could be made to leave.

[Richard Steele]

9. The phrase, "You and what army?" springs to my mind. nm

[leftchick]

12. exactly

what a farce

[whoneedstickets]

13. No, the Iraqi government will be leaving, Blackwater will pick the Coup leader..

This will give the WH an excuse to disband and replace the Iraqi regime.

[Horse with no Name]

15. Seems ripe time for a new minister wouldn't you say?

This one probably has a price on his head.

[simmonsj811]

16. let's all hope so

for the rights of the people of iraq when will it stop??? :scared: :kick:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

29. No, but I bet the ministry is going to one way or the other.

[madokie]

2. I like the sound of that,

We will also refer those involved to Iraqi judicial authorities

[cali]

3. You beat me to it.

Now let's see them prosecuted. And let's see the Congress investigate the living shit out of them.

[Ghost in the Machine]

4. More... & Recommended..

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki late Sunday condemned the shooting by a "foreign security company" and called it a "crime."

Tens of thousands of private security contractors operate in Iraq — some with automatic weapons, body armor, helicopters and bulletproof vehicles.

The contractors, including many Americans and Britons, provide protection for Westerners and dignitaries in Iraq as the country has plummeted toward anarchy and civil war.

Many have been accused of indiscriminately firing at American and Iraqi troops, and of shooting to death an unknown number of Iraqi citizens who got too close to their heavily armed convoys, but none has faced charges or prosecution.

[malaise]

5. K &R n/t

[Vinca]

6. That can't be good for profits. Maybe now we can withdraw. nt

[derby378]

8. But does Iraq have enough muscle to make Blackwater leave?

And if they do, how well do you think that's gonna set with Herr Decider? I think he's still got a few MOABs and white phosphorous bombs sitting on the shelves, just waiting for the directive.

That said, good on Iraq.

[mucifer]

10. Unfortunately blackwater is literally above the law

The Iraqi government signed an agreement saying this. It's time for our congress to make intentional murder of civilians illegal in other countries.

[Roland99]

11. Hmm...wonder if Bush will honor Iraq's sovereignty?

[soothsayer]

14. like he did when he invaded?

[Roland99]

19. Well, this is a sovereign sovereignty whose sovereignty he supports

;)

[rocktivity]

17. What does Iraq think it is--a soverign nation?

:eyes:
rocknation

[wicket]

18. There are currently more "private contractors" aka mercs in Iraq than US soldiers

Just there to protect private interests.

[Roland99]

21. And being paid with *our* tax dollars!!!!

[wicket]

24. YUP

I don't know whether to :puke: or :cry:

[Supersedeas]

26. Bush's buddy with his fist around Kurdish oil probly has his own crew there too

[slampoet]

20. Support the Troops

Forget the brass.

And screw the mercs.

[maddezmom]

22. about time someone said something, but I doubt they'll be leaving

anytime soon. :(

[spanone]

23. so, they issue a licesne to kill people in their country?

[lpbk2713]

25. Next step ...

those soon-to-be unemployed Blackwater security cowboys will come over here and get jobs guarding rethuglican presidential candidates and the entourages.

[uppityperson]

27. k&r. Now, what to do with those Blackwater people?

[AlCzervik]

28. and i heard on the news today that "The us says Iraq doesn't have the jurisdiction to prosecute"

can you believe this shit, i thought Iraq was now a Sovereign country with a government and they aren't allowed to prosecute?

[WinkyDink]

31. NOT the Blackwater thugs; that is correct.

[AlCzervik]

32. it's beyond outrageous isn't it?

[WinkyDink]

30. My newspaper's article keeps the name "Blackwater" out of it. Hmmmm.....