After its guards killed 17 Iraqis and left 24 others wounded on September 16, Blackwater has been reluctantly forced into the media spotlight, and its CEO, Erik Prince, before Congress. Most Americans are only now hearing about Blackwater for the first time, but the organization has been operating in Iraq all along. To get the lowdown on this organization which essentially functions as a private mercenary army for the US, a shadow army that has little accountability, you may want to spend some time listening to Fresh Air’s interview with Jeremy Scahill. It was taped back in March (we first noted it then) when he released his new book, Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army. In addition, you can give a listen to this recent New York Times audio report on Blackwater that focuses on Congress’ Blackwater investigation and the September 16th killings.
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Eric Prince is a pillar of American society. An ex-Navy Seal himself he provides a service that is needed by The United States and other countries alike. In the years of blackwaters involvement in Iraq, hundreds of VIP’s and Government officals (Iraqi and U.S.)have been safely escorted, without a single loss of a client. Almost 30 blackwater employees have been killed in the defense of theese important clients. The U.S. government cannot provide the caliber of men that blackwater offers, to do this kind of job. The U.S. and other countries have trained us. Here we are…..
C. Harvey:
>Eric Prince is a pillar of American society.
Eric Prince is a leech on the body of the Republic.
> hundreds of VIP’s and Government officals (Iraqi and U.S.)have been safely escorted, without a single loss of a client.
On the other hand they have blown away more than a few civilians with impunity. Apparently they have James Bond’s license-to-kill.
> The U.S. government cannot provide the caliber of men that blackwater offers, to do this kind of job.
You’re killing me. Where does Blackwater hire from ???? Eric Prince, a “former navy seal himself”?? The U.S. government could easily handle this job itself, and for a lower price tag too. How did you win World War II ???
The only reason Blackwater exists is to suck dollars from the pockets of Americans and pour them into the coffers of well-connected Republicans. Disgusting.