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Iraq Denies Blackwater Contract

Official: 'They have a bad history'

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 29, 2009 7:00 AM CST

(Newser) – The Iraqi government has refused to grant Blackwater a license to continue its security work in the country, the New York Times reports. The controversial firm probably won’t exit the country at least until spring, as the US and Iraq work on rules for private contractors. “There are many marks against this company,” said an Iraqi official. “They have a bad history and have been involved in the killing of so many civilians.”

Blackwater sparked a firestorm of international criticism after its heavily armed guards fired on civilians in a Baghdad square in 2007, killing 17. Iraq has tried for years to push out the firm, which they claim is trigger-happy, but US officials have said they have no viable alternatives to provide security. Other contractors have been granted licenses, and Blackwater employees who haven't been charged with wrongdoing will be allowed to stay in Iraq if they switch firms, the Washington Post reports.

Sami Hawas, left, was shot in the chest and a leg while driving his cab at Baghdad's Nisoor square more than a year ago, when Blackwater Worldwide security guards shot dead 17 Iraqi civilians. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Blackwater contractors take part in a firefight as Iraqi demonstrators loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr attempt to advance on a facility being defended by US and Spanish soldiers in Najaf, Iraq, in 2004. (AP Photo/Gervasio Sanchez)

This July 21, 2008 file photo shows Erik Prince, founder and CEO of Blackwater Worldwide, at Blackwater's offices in Moyock, NC. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

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Official: 'They have a bad history'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Blackwater • security contractors • Iraq war • license

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Blackwater's Iraq Contract Ends

Virginia firm takes over security duties

US Flushes Blackwater Contract

State Dept. calls renewal 'moot' after Iraq denies operating license

Biden: US Will Appeal Blackwater Dismissal

Vice president expresses his 'personal regret' for the case's outcome

Blackwater Settles Iraqi Civil Suits

But two former contractors arrested in Afghanistan

Contractor Bought Guns on Black Market: Ex-Employees

Triple Canopy accused of funding insurgents

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