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Blackwater Could Possibly Get Kicked Out of Iraq

by Can Tran | December 17, 2008 at 02:18 pm

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Things continue to look unsavory for the private security firm known as Blackwater Worldwide. There is the possibility that its license to operate in Iraq will be revoked. However, doing so could lead to possibly more problems as a result.

WASHINGTON – An internal State Department report says Blackwater Worldwide may lose its license to work in Iraq and recommends that the agency prepare alternative means to protect its diplomats there.

The 42-page draft report by the State Department's Inspector General says the department faces "numerous challenges" in dealing with the security situation in Iraq, including the prospect that Blackwater may be barred from the country. The department would have turn to other security arrangements to replace Blackwater, officials said.

The State Department had no immediate comment on the report itself, but deputy spokesman Robert Wood said that after the probe is done, officials would look at "whether the continued use of Blackwater in Iraq is consistent with the U.S. government's goals and objectives."

This will spell out as one of the international challenges for US President-elect Barack Obama once he takes office as US President on January 20, 2009. It will be up to his administration on how the situation will be handled.

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Karenke4

at 13:48 on December 18th, 2008

Thanks for reporting this Can Tran!

Blackwater has applied for a license from the Iraq government, but it is not expected to be granted based on their unsavory history.

The State Department is waiting until April to make their decision after a more thorough investigation into the shootings of Iraqi civilians by Blackwater employees.

Fairbanks

at 14:01 on December 18th, 2008

The department would have turn to other security arrangements to replace Blackwater

. . . Bye bye, Blackwater. Hello, Son of Blackwater.

Can Tran

at 16:04 on December 18th, 2008

A report came in from AP almost an hour ago. There is new evidence that could possibly clear the Blackwater guards of any wrong doing. Radio logs dated during that time have been handed to the prosecution.