Blackwater: Company Wages War for Profit in Iraq with American Government's Blessing

According to Iraqi officials, on September 17 private security contractors employed by Blackwater USA (a security corporation given a no-bid contract by the U.S. government to provide security in Iraq) opened fire on Iraqi civilians in downtown Baghdad, killing 11 and injuring at least twelve more.

American officials have claimed up to this point that the Blackwater guards acted in self-defense after being attacked first by armed insurgents. The Iraqis today shot down that assertion by revealing that they have a video tape of the entire incident, which shows the Blackwater guards opening fire at civilian vehicles and pedestrians without hostile provocation, confirming the numerous eye-witness accounts that say the same thing.

This is not the first time Blackwater has been accused of inciting violence in Iraq. In fact, this marks the seventh incident this year dating back to February. The previous six resulted in no fewer than 10 civilian deaths, and possibly more that went unreported. Iraqi civilians have learned to live in fear of Blackwater's convoys and contractors in ubiquitous uniforms, which include black wrap-around sunglasses and bulletproof vests over dark sweatshirts. The Iraqi government, increasingly frustrated with Blackwater's conduct, threatened to kick the company out of the country following the September 17 "confrontation," but backed off a day later (likely due to pressure from the American government).

Alright, enough background info. Blackwater USA is not a "security" company at all. Blackwater USA is a mercenary force, waging war for profit and cashing in on the violent deaths of the very people whose country they are gleefully occupying to make a quick buck. Many of us can remember back to 2004, when insurgents kidnapped four Blackwater "security guards," killed them, and dragged them through the streets on international television. It was a horrifying spectacle to watch, to be sure, and nothing of the sort can ever be justified.