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US Demands For Blackwater Immunity Angers Iraqi Lawmakers



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Immunity from Iraqi law for foreign private guards is a sticking point in the deal between Washington and Baghdad over long-term US troop presence in the country, a top US official said Tuesday.

"The issue of contractors including (foreign) security contractors is a sensitive one, is a significant one," David Satterfield, the US State Department's top Iraq adviser told reporters in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.

"There are outstanding issues, obviously, including issues focused on the security side."

The presence of tens of thousands of foreign private security contractors has been heavily criticised, especially after last year's brutal massacre of 17 Iraqis in Baghdad by Blackwater company which offers protection to US officials in Iraq.

These contractors, however, enjoy immunity from Iraqi law. The contract of Blackwater was also recently renewed for another year.

Negotiations for a long-term US military presence in Iraq come amid strong criticism from Baghdad and former foe turned friend Tehran over the details of the deal which aims to maintain American soldiers in the country beyond 2008.

Iraqi media reports have suggested the United States is seeking to keep as many as 50 military bases indefinitely in Iraq, control the nation's air space, and grant its troops and foreign private contractors continuing immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law.

American diplomats and military officials have vehemently denied that Washington wants to create "permanent" bases and insist that the pact is no threat to any of Iraq's neighbours including Iran, the US's arch enemy.
crob80227

7 responses // US Demands For Blackwater Immunity Angers Iraqi Lawmakers

  • The neoconservatives seem to have a real problem with the rule of law.

    But at least they are consistent in the fact that they refuse to obey US laws with the same vigor that they refuse to obey Iraqi laws.

    Or maybe a more accurate description of neoconservative legal philosophy would be:

    "Absolute obediance to the law for everyone....except us!"
    crob80227
  • The US administration must have conered the market on shovels for all they attempt to cover up and/or bury.
    Impeach and imprison!
    huntre
  • Will they give them immunity when they are working in America? This private army is bidding for American contracts, such as the War on Drugs. Will they be given immunity for what they do to us?

    It's illegal to use our own military on American Citizens in America. Is it illegal to use a 'private army' in the US?
    Conniepae
  • Not anymore Posse comitatus has been suspended by Bush. Americans are open season now.
    Marilynn_Murray
  • Could Blackwater be used against Americans?

    Sure!

    The Bushies have perfected the art of simply re-defining something so as to get around any legal/Constitutional objections.

    If the neoconservatives want to use Blackwater in America then they will simply redefine Blackwater as "charity volunteers" and there ya go! Just like the redefined Prisoners of War as "detainees." See? Now they don't have to obey US law or International law. It's that easy!

    That's their best trick. Dick Cheney has redefined his own position as Vice President to grant himself extra powers. They have redefined "national security" to extend to almost anything, even empowering the President to grant protection from Congressional warrants to anyone he so desires.

    The only cure for the neoconservative tool of redefining things is for elected officals to scream "Bullshit!" at the top of their lungs....and actually, physically, storm into the Presidents office and handcuff him. Or bitch slap him. Nothing less than that has any effect on the asshat from Texas.

    The current Democratic strategy of mumbling, shrugging shoulders and casting irritated looks at Bush & Cheney doesn't seem to be very effective at curtailing their insane power grab.

    As Bush has all but declared himself Emporer of America the Harry Reid tactic of mumbling, "I'm not entirely certain you can do that, I mean, I don't think so anyway. I guess." hasn't done jack shit.

    Not even the much vaunted Hillary has sone any guts in publically standing up to Bush. Oh sure, she may take some swipes at him in stump speeches -- but what has she done as a Senator? Sadly, same goes for Obama.

    Are there no heroes left in Congress (besides Dennis, of course)?
    recommended by  Conniepae
    crob80227
  • They are absolutely right, it's their country and we suck. They should kick our sorry asses out immediately.
    eldamon
  • Support Kucinich's resolution to impeach Bush!
    uroborus8

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