Blackwater Banned

by digby

Is the allegedly sovereign government of Iraq allowed to do this?

The Iraqi government said it had revoked the license of Blackwater USA, a private security company that provides protection for American diplomats across Iraq, after shots fired from an American convoy killed eight Iraqis.

Abdul-Karim Khalaf, a spokesman for Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, said the authorities had canceled the company’s license and barred its activity across Iraq. He said the government would prosecute the deaths, though according to the rules that govern private contractors, it was not clear whether the Iraqis had the legal authority to do so.

“This is a big crime that we can’t stay silent before,” said Jawad al-Bolani, Iraq’s interior minister, speaking on satellite television. “Anyone who wants to have good relations with Iraq has to respect Iraqis.”

If so, what does it mean for the US. As I understand it, these contractors are there in huge numbers providing essential military and logistical support. Could the mission do without them?

How much do you want to bet that a “new” company will be formed that will “rehire” these same people. It’s just paperwork.

Update: Brave New Films did this film on Blackwater:

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