Private security guards working for Blackwater USA participated in clandestine CIA raids against suspected insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan, The New York Times reported Thursday.Really, guys? Despite the tens of thousands of troops we had, we still farmed out CIA black bag jobs to Blackwater? No wonder the Republicans continue to insist that military contractors like Blackwater must be immune from prosecution.
Blackwater's role points to a much deeper connection between the company and the spy agency than has been previously disclosed and raises concerns over the legalities of involving contractors in the most sensitive operations conducted by the U.S. government.
The "snatch and grab" raids took place regularly between 2004 and 2006, the Times reported, when the insurgency in Iraq was escalating and security throughout the country was deteriorating.
Asked for comment on the report, CIA spokesman George Little did not confirm the role that the Times said Blackwater played but defended the use of contractors on intelligence missions.
"This agency, like many others, uses contractors in roles that complement and enhance the skills of our own workforce, just as American law permits," Little said late Thursday. "Agency staff officers have the decision-making authority and bear responsibility for results."
They're war criminals.
We farming out our dirty work to PMCs like Blackwater and Triple Canopy, and keeping our official military's nose clean. In return, the Republicans and war hawk Dems are making sure these private military contractors remain above the law. Not only did Bush and Cheney know, but Congress knew about and sanctioned it as well.
If you think Blackwater head Erik Prince will ever see a day in jail, you're mad. Nobody will serve a minute in jail for this, and the Holder DoJ will never prosecute.
And you can bet we'll continue to use PMCs to do our dirty work.
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