The Flashlight, September 15-21, 2007
THE FLASHLIGHT, Sept. 15-21, 2007
Iraq: Blackwater at Bay
PBS 9-17, CNN 9-18, NYTimes 9-19, 9-21. After a shooting in An-Nisour Square in downtown Baghdad in which the security company Blackwater USA killed between 8 and 20 Iraqi civilians, the Maliki government has demanded the termination of all operations of the company in Iraq. This company is responsible for providing bodyguards for the 600 US diplomats residing in the Green Zone. As a result, the US suspended diplomatic movement outside the Zone. Maliki has demanded that all foreign security companies in Iraq should leave, to be replaced by Iraqi security companies. Most of the private security contractors in Iraq now are Iraqis.
The present scandal began when a convoy of cars guarded by Blackwater arrived at the square and found their way blocked by a car with a young couple and baby inside. The driver had not obeyed the police order to empty the square, and was apparently confused. The policeman on duty told the American convoy to stop, but instead they shot at the car, and set it on fire, killing all three within. Then more shots were fired. Blackwater claimed the convoy had been ambushed.
Since the US occupation of Iraq began in 2003, American security companies have operated there with immunity to prosecution under Iraqi law. Blackwater is notorious for shooting first, thinking later. This latest incident, in front of the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, has outraged the Iraqis.
US News
CNN 9-18. Rep. John Murtha, D., predicted that in January or February, after the primary elections, more Republicans will join the Democrats in their attempts to stop the Iraq War. As it is, the Democrats are getting nowhere in the Senate because not enough Republicans will vote with them to reach a majority of 60 (for debate) or 67 (to override a veto).
NYTimes 9-17. Pres. Bush nominated Michael Mukasy, a retired federal judge, as Attorney General. He is expected to be confirmed.
Iraq: Blackwater at Bay
PBS 9-17, CNN 9-18, NYTimes 9-19, 9-21. After a shooting in An-Nisour Square in downtown Baghdad in which the security company Blackwater USA killed between 8 and 20 Iraqi civilians, the Maliki government has demanded the termination of all operations of the company in Iraq. This company is responsible for providing bodyguards for the 600 US diplomats residing in the Green Zone. As a result, the US suspended diplomatic movement outside the Zone. Maliki has demanded that all foreign security companies in Iraq should leave, to be replaced by Iraqi security companies. Most of the private security contractors in Iraq now are Iraqis.
The present scandal began when a convoy of cars guarded by Blackwater arrived at the square and found their way blocked by a car with a young couple and baby inside. The driver had not obeyed the police order to empty the square, and was apparently confused. The policeman on duty told the American convoy to stop, but instead they shot at the car, and set it on fire, killing all three within. Then more shots were fired. Blackwater claimed the convoy had been ambushed.
Since the US occupation of Iraq began in 2003, American security companies have operated there with immunity to prosecution under Iraqi law. Blackwater is notorious for shooting first, thinking later. This latest incident, in front of the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, has outraged the Iraqis.
US News
CNN 9-18. Rep. John Murtha, D., predicted that in January or February, after the primary elections, more Republicans will join the Democrats in their attempts to stop the Iraq War. As it is, the Democrats are getting nowhere in the Senate because not enough Republicans will vote with them to reach a majority of 60 (for debate) or 67 (to override a veto).
NYTimes 9-17. Pres. Bush nominated Michael Mukasy, a retired federal judge, as Attorney General. He is expected to be confirmed.
posted by THE FLASHLIGHT at 6:20 AM
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