This week, an American Security company that has been providing security services for high level American officials had its license revoked by the Iraqi Government.
On Sunday, shots were fired from an American motorcade being protected by Blackwater USA that killed 8 Iraqi civilians. It is unclear exactly what happened, but a firefight erupted, and 8 innocent bystanders were killed.
“This is a big crime that we can’t stay silent before. Any one who wants to have good relations with Iraq has to respect Iraqis. We apply the law and are committed to it.” Said Iraqi interior minister, Jawad al-Bolani.
The American Authority in Iraq passed a law in 2004 preventing US contractors from being prosecuted in Iraqi courts. Iraqis are upset that this is seemingly an authorization for US security firms to shoot-at-will.
The question is, to what level does the US have to be responsible for contractors working in Iraq? How do you determine what is an appropriate use of weapons in a hostile region? Who is providing oversight for these contractors?
By not intervening, is the US government contributing to the loss of even more innocent lives in Iraq?
