Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Meet the New Blackwater, Same as the Old Blackwater

New contractor may hire the same people

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Apr 15, 2009 2:58 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The military contractor known as Xe—and far better known as the former Blackwater—has changed little more than its name, NPR reports. Despite having said it's leaving the international security business, Xe recently extended its deal with the State Department to fly protective missions in Iraq. And as another contractor takes over many of Xe's other projects, it's dipping into an identical labor pool.

Hundreds of former Blackwater guards are landing jobs with Triple Canopy, the contractor inheriting Blackwater/Xe's deals. "Changing the name on the contract is problematic if it is the same underlying people who are not well trained, who should not be carrying weapons, particularly semi-automatic weapons," warned a lawyer who helped Iraqis file suit against Blackwater.

This 2004 file photo Plainclothes contractors working for Blackwater USA take part in a firefight as Iraqi demonstrators loyal to Muqtada Al Sadr attempt an advance.
This 2004 file photo Plainclothes contractors working for Blackwater USA take part in a firefight as Iraqi demonstrators loyal to Muqtada Al Sadr attempt an advance.   (AP Photo/Gervasio Sanchez,File)
In this 2004 file photo, plainclothes contractors working for Blackwater USA take part in a firefight.
In this 2004 file photo, plainclothes contractors working for Blackwater USA take part in a firefight.   (AP Photo/Gervasio Sanchez)
Blackwater Worldwide security guard Dustin Heard leaves federal court in Washington in January after pleading not guilty to manslaughter charges.
Blackwater Worldwide security guard Dustin Heard leaves federal court in Washington in January after pleading not guilty to manslaughter charges.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Assassin
Apr 16, 2009 12:39 PM CDT
You mean Lockheed is like Boeing? You mean Democrats are just like Republicans? You mean Politicians are just like Criminals? WOW!
riffran
Apr 16, 2009 10:37 AM CDT
those poor innocent RPG firing pirates...OH THE HUMANITY!!!....
Robert_Dada
Apr 15, 2009 11:57 AM CDT
Along with the deaths of countless innocents.

Iraq contract was 33% of Blackwater business
CNN

Blackwater's banned, but will Iraq allow Xe?
TPM

 
Blackwater • Triple Canopy • Iraq contractors • private security guards • Iraq war

More Newser Stories

Blackwater Settles With US for $42M

Ex-Blackwater Prez Hit With Federal Weapons Charges

Biden: US Will Appeal Blackwater Dismissal

After Nabbing Terrorist, Navy SEALs Face Assault Rap

Civilian Contractors Are the 'Vietnam Vets' of Our Time
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne