I originally wrote about Blackwater back in April, "Outsourcing the War: Blackwater USA". Based on the comments I received at the time, no one seemed to have a big problem with these mercenaries (versus loyal Americans willing to fight for $30,000 a month) operating below the horizon in Iraq (and New Orleans, post-Katrina) . Fast forward five months....
Blackwater is now being investigated by just about everybody for this, that and the other thing. Little things like selling arms to terrorists (as in our weapons, traced through serial numbers, ending up in the hands of terrorists in the Middle East).
One could make a good argument that they were simply doing their job when they killed the 11 (or 20) Iraqi terrorists (or civilians) after the State Department convoy they were guarding (under their lucrative 3/4 billion dollar contract with the U.S. State Department) was attacked. I've heard people say that by definition, our volunteer army is, in fact, a mercenary army. I know or know of many military people, those who have chosen to devote their careers to serving their country, like my brother, and those who volunteered to serve after 9/11 out of patriotism, the sons and daughters and husbands and wives of people I know. Not one of them is in it for the money.
The Iraqi government has said as many as 20 civilians were killed by gunfire from Blackwater USA contractors who were guarding a U.S. diplomatic convoy. Iraqi officials dispute the U.S. claim that the guards were responding to an attack. The Blackwater employees involved in the incident are still in Iraq, but those who fired weapons -- about a third of the guards -- were "standing down," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
Outside experts may be brought in to help review the "protective service details" in Baghdad, McCormack said. Such details usually have 15 to 20 guards. The "full, complete review" would look at rules of engagement and overall operations, with consultation with lawyers over what authority contractors operate under, he said.
Sunday's shooting has created new tension between the U.S. and Iraqi governments. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed regret about the incident in a phone call to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and promised an open and transparent probe into what happened.
The problem with outsourcing government services is that private firms are in business to make money, not serve the greater good. When billions of dollars are being loosely thrown at no-bid contracts (those would be our tax dollars at work, thank you) that will be administered by private firms whose only purpose in life is to make a profit, contracts awarded without competitive bidding, without any oversight afterward or accountability by or to the American people, the end result is pretty much predictable.
As an aside, one could also make a comment about how safe conditions have become in Iraq since the surge was implemented. Just a stroll in an Indiana open marketplace. Not only were Blackwater operations suspended after this incident, but all non-military personnel were forbidden to leave the so-called "safe" Green Zone. As of Saturday, all Blackwater "services" have been resumed, so it is now okay for our congressional delegations to venture out so they can return home to tell us how wonderful everything is over there.
