Blackwater consequences - US Bans Travel of Officials Outside Green Zone

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297255,00.html

BAGHDAD - The United States on Tuesday suspended all land travel by U.S. diplomats and other civilian officials in Iraq outside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, amid mounting public outrage over the alleged killing of civilians by the U.S. Embassy's security provider Blackwater USA.

The move came even as the Iraqi government appeared to back down from statements Monday that it had permanently revoked Blackwater's license and would order its 1,000 personnel to leave the country — depriving American diplomats of security protection essential to operating in Baghdad.

"We are not intending to stop them and revoke their license indefinitely but we do need them to respect the law and the regulation here in Iraq," government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told CNN.

The U.S. order confines most American officials to a 3.5-square-mile area in the center of the city, meaning they cannot visit U.S.-funded construction sites or Iraqi officials elsewhere in the country except by helicopter. The notice did not say when the suspension would expire.

Exploiting public rage over the killings of what police said were 11 civilians by Blackwater guards, anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr demanded that the government ban all 48,000 foreign security contractors.

[ewoden]

1. But, but, but . . ..

What about flowers, open arms, mission accomplished, dead enders, success, benchmarks? Oh I am so confused.:hide:

[peacetalksforall]

2. I ask everyone to watch today's show of Democracy Now. Two parts (Jena, LA) and Blackwater.

It is enlightening in addition to all the flac coming out now.

Rice trying to save Blackwater. But according to mercenary supporter, Blackwater is under U.S. law, not Iraqi law. CNN drags out their news Director to deliver the talking points.

Educate yourself on all of this - it's a key test of our future and I regret to say it may reinforce the Cheney PNAC baron determination to bomb Iran. They badly need a deflection.

The situation gets worse every day. Maybe this event will prove to be a good one in the end unless too many of our kids are caught in the middle .....