Disband These Armies Now

Here is another killing by a Private Security Firm in Iraq.

The case against the Mercenary Army run by Blackwater in Iraq is given here.

The case against the wider Privatised Military Industry is given here.

Death In Iraq

There are indications that civilian killings in Iraq decreased by 50% in September. Yet it still reached a figure of 844, plus 78 police officers and Iraqi soldiers. Some 70 Coalition troops also lost their lives. Such deaths are currently down to "only" 30 a day.

The hideous methods used in murdering people is shown here for terrorists (but note the warning) and for mercenaries here.

On the Congressional investigation into the Blackwater Security Company, see here.

Blackwater Makes A Killing

As shown on Iraqi Mojo's fine blog, see this telling video discussion on the disgraceful role of Blackwater's Private Army in Iraq.

Blackwater : Shadow Army

After reading this, please turn to the important link I provide at the end.

The link takes you to the comments section of an item posted by "Treasure of Baghdad". Just above the point at which your arrive there is a telling You Tube Video to watch of Blackwater Security operatives in Iraq travelling by car and engaging in randomn shooting at other vehicles. After you have watched it, see the further video links shown at the bottom of the screen. In particular, look at the one entitled "Blackwater : Shadow Army."

The post and its comments are also worth examination.

This is the link.

Bush On Private Security Firms

This is what he did not know. Does he know (or care) much more now? Whilst this is the lastest US response on this issue which I have covered over the past two days.

Needed - Security Against Security

The news that the Iraqi Government is finally to review the position of overseas security firms who operate in a free-lance way in their country, can only be welcomed.

The early withdrawal of these private armies of 20,000 overseas mercenaries is essential. In the meantime, Britain and America (in particular) need to ensure that their own sets of private warriors in Iraq are placed under strict controls as was pointed out in this recent evidence by Duncan Bullivant to the Iraq Commission. It is revealing material directly from a security sector operative.

Blackwater Security who are under contract by the US State Department had their licence revoked by the Iraqi Government yesterday following their killing of 8 Iraqi citizens and the wounding of 13 others. Further relevant links are given in this item which I posted yesterday.

Private Armies Out

Blackwater Security who are under contract by the US State Department to operate in Iraq have had their licence cancelled by the Iraqi Government following an incident in which it killed 8 people and wounded 13 others.

There are 20,000 foreign private security workers in Iraq, making them the nation's second largest occupying force.

The first priority for troop withdrawals in Iraq should be for the removal of these private armies. Here is an article which spells out the depth of the problem.

The significance and menace of privatised military operations is spelt out in the book "Corporate Warriors" by P.W. Singer - here is the full book. The matter is also under investigation by the United Nations.

Moqtada al-Sadr and Me

In a debate in a thread at "Harry's Place" I was challenged to explain my position in relation to the existence of foreign troops in Iraq. I responded with an argument which I later gave the following title -

PRIVATE AND COALITION TROOPS OUT, ISLAMIC TROOPS IN

My case ran as follows, although it was later elaborated upon in the thread -

(1) Coalition forces in Iraq operate a very mixed role. They stimulate opposition, yet offer some sort of protection against terrorism. They could be replaced by troops from Islamic nations (other than from nations bordering Iraq). The wealthier nations in say the G8, would need to provide the funding via the United Nations - so US money would need to be forthcoming, whilst looking for ways in which the piper did not play the tune. The Iraqi Parliament would need to accept this alternative. For whilst the Iraqis did not ask us to invade them, they should have the say over the terms of our removal.
(2) There is also a need to remove the 2nd largest foreign force in Iraq. These are mercenaries provided by private security firms. These could be removed at the same time as the Coalition troops. In the meanwhile urgent action needs to be taken by the UK and other Governments (along with Iraq's) to control the operations of firms which are subject to their authority.

Now I find that Moqtada al-Sadr (of all people) is seemingly coming up with something similar. It is time for some serious discussion and bargaining to take place.

Blogging Out

To meet other commitments, I am taking a few days break from blogging. This also means that for the time being I won't be visiting this thread which has been taking up some of my time - and which I keep plugging.

On the question it raises of what should happen to foreign troops in Iraq, my view is expressed in the slogan "Private and Coalition Troops Out, Islamic Troops In".