Security

Black Days for Blackwater

You may want to stock up on your Blackwater gear now because this stuff could soon be collectors items (there’s some cute baby items there as well). Blackwater this week continued its downward spiral, particularly as a report surfaced today that the company is "involved in a far higher rate of shootings while guarding American […]

You may want to stock up on your Blackwater gear now because this stuff could soon be collectors items (there's some cute baby items there as well). Blackwater this week continued its downward spiral, particularly as a report surfaced today that the company is "involved in a far higher rate of shootings while guarding American diplomats in Iraq than other security firms providing similar services to the State Department, according to Bush administration officials and industry officials." (Note to Blackwater: No, this isn't a selling point for your services, and shouldn't be highlighted on your brochures as "Twice the Shootings, Same Great Price").

Blackwater The Pentagon, in the meantime, is already looking to rein in the contractors, the *LA Times reports (*Blackwater, just as a reminder, is under contract to State Department):

In a three-page directive sent Tuesday night to the Pentagon's most senior officers, Gates' top deputy ordered them to review rules governing contractors' use of arms and to begin legal proceedings against any that have violated military law.

Gates' order contrasts with the reaction of State Department officials, who have been slow to acknowledge any potential failings in their oversight of Blackwater USA, the private security firm that protects U.S. diplomats in Iraq and was involved in a Sept. 16 shooting that left at least 11 Iraqis dead.

Significantly, Gates also issued a clarification (though it won't affect State Department contractors) that will no doubt embolden military officers to crack down on abuses among Pentagon contractors:

"Commanders have UCMJ authority to disarm, apprehend and detain DoD contractors suspected of having committed a felony offense" in violation of the rules for using force, said the memo, written by Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England and obtained by The Times.

Let's see, State Department's response to all of this is well, unclear.

Tune in Tuesday, however, because according to the Washington Times' Inside the Beltway, Blackwater's Dark Prince will be testifying on Capitol Hill. That'll be fun!