Blackwater defies Iraq and resumes operations

[ck4829]

American convoys under the protection of Blackwater USA resumed on Friday, four days after the U.S. Embassy suspended all land travel by its diplomats and other civilian officials in response to the alleged killing of civilians by the security firm.

A top aide to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had earlier conceded it may prove difficult for the Iraqi government to follow through on threats to expel Blackwater and other Western security contractors.

The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation into Sunday's shooting was ongoing, said a way out of the Blackwater crisis could be the payment of compensation to victims' families and an agreement from all sides on a new set of rules for their operations in Iraq.

U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Mirembe Nantongo said the decision to resume land travel outside the heavily fortified Green Zone was made after consultations with the Iraqi governments. She said the convoys will be limited to essential missions.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/iraq

[Jim__]

1. We made Iraq a sovereign nation.

Therefore, we don't have to follow any Iraqi laws. :sarcasm:

[Benhurst]

2. The Iraqis have no control over their internal affairs; but at least they know they are free.

The World's Only Superpower
:patriot:
Spreading Its Brand of Freedom Across the Globe


Bombs Away!

[PA Democrat]

8. Double Plus Good Freedom! USA! USA! USA!

Woo Hoo! Can I have another helping?

[Javaman]

3. we're spreading freedom one corporate logo at a time. nt

[Stalwart]

4. Insurgents Adapt Quickly

Iraqi public opinion is obviously against Blackwater. The fact that Blackwater is a focal point for anger and hatred is obvious and how to manipulate it is a no brainer. The reaction of Blackwater was the same as the US when provoked: big bumbling response aids their cause and defeats ours.

All the insurgents have to do is what they do best: Provoke a response. They have already used video to record IED attacks in a set up ambush then used that video for their purposes.

I think that the next insurgent adaptation is to record a video ambush. A public square, a bomb explodes as the Blackwater convoy goes through. Cameras are rolling from every angle.

The same Blackwater employees that were in the convoy that did the shooting are still there and will go out in convoys again. They will be equally ready to shoot again, nothing has changed, especially when the bomb goes off, their instant reaction will be the same. The bomb need not destroy anything, only provoke the response.

What if the cameras had been rolling the last time? What if that video was released today? What is the truth? Perhaps the truth would set something free.

An IED used in this manner would have devastating effect.

I am sadly stating what I think is an obvious revolting thought. The playbook is simple. Get the bumbling bully to do what they do best and thereby defeat them. Attack their strongest point. Shock and horror strategy.

If you cannot be strong be clever. There are many ways to skin the cat. The most elegant way is to get it to jump out of its own skin. Skinned by its own fear. Done in by its own devices. Fear protects a cat (fraidy cat). Fear can also skin it. Get it scared enough and all you have to say is BOO! It skins itself.

Who is more truly perceived as representative of our government in Iraq in world public opinion? Our military or Blackwater? Who is the bigger uncontrolled bully?

Who and how to attack is written on the wall. Fear is why Blackwater pulled the trigger, not measured response. Blackwater is most vulnerable. The bully always attacks from the greatest position of safety, Well armed and armored, no moral or legal restraint. The victims are always the weakest and undefended.

Gunning down civilians in a public square? Seen that before? Who wins?

[ShortnFiery]

7. "If you cannot be strong be clever."

Well put. :hi:

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. Oops...didn't Maliki get the memo?

He's not REALLY in charge.

[Beelzebud]

6. Iraq is now a free western-style democracy. aka. Big Business now owns them.

[aikoaiko]

9. How are they defying Iraq -- they weren't actually told to leave where they?

:shrug:

[PA Democrat]

11. Well there was THIS statement by Maliki from several days ago:

Sept. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called on the U.S. to replace Blackwater, the security company that protects State Department staff in Iraq, after the firm was involved in a shooting incident he called a ``criminal act''.

``The Americans should hire another company to protect their people,'' al-Maliki said in a news conference aired today on state television. The ``criminal act'' wasn't the first involving the company, he said.

The Iraqi government said it was suspending Blackwater's operating license and reviewing all security companies in Iraq following a Baghdad shooting on Sept. 16. The incident, which involved guards from the company, left eight civilians dead, the Interior Ministry said. Moyock, North Carolina-based Blackwater USA has said its personnel acted in self-defense.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aFEe4IYX9OcA&refer=home

[aikoaiko]

12. But was their license suspended.

I thought there was immediate back peddling on that and it was never done.

[karlrschneider]

10. What a surprise.

:eyes:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7006697.stm