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Iraq Considers Expelling Security Firms

Blackwater incident sparks outrage at Western contractors

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 18, 2007 11:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – Private security firms have never been popular in Iraq, but after Blackwater USA’s fatal shooting of civilians Sunday, national rage may be strong enough to drive them from the country. The Iraqi government announced today that it would review the status of all private security companies, and explore rescinding a law exempting them from Iraqi prosecution, the AP reports.

That law was passed before Iraq regained sovereignty in 2004. Iraq yesterday barred Blackwater from operating in the country, and is considering bringing charges against the shooters. Blackwater denies wrongdoing, and the US is hoping to keep the company in Iraq. Muqtada al-Sadr today issued a statement calling for the annulment of all foreign security contracts.

Blackwater CEO and founder Erik Prince listens during a panel discussion on protecting people and physical security hosted by North Carolina Technology Association in Cary, N.C., Thursday, June 7, 2007.... (Associated Press)

Graphic provides timeline of government subcontractor Blackwater USA; 1c x 4 3/4 inches; 46.5 mm x 120.7 mm (Associated Press)

A US private security officer with his face covered against dust, sits in a Chinook helicopter as they accompany Iraq's US civilian administrator L. Paul Bremer on a visit to the southern marsh areas... (Associated Press)

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki addresses a daylong conference in Baghdad between officials from Iraq's neighbors and other Middle East countries Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007. Zebari urged Iraq's neighbors... (Associated Press)

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US Bars Travel for Officials After Iraqi Shootings

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related Links

Iraq • security • Nouri al-Maliki • Blackwater • Muqtada al-Sadr

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Bars Travel for Officials After Iraqi Shootings

Iraqi officials blast killings by private security operation

Blackwater Ban Puts US Military in a Bind

With a rep for brutality, the security firm has enjoyed 'carte blanche'

Biden in Iraq to Talk Troop Withdrawal

Sadr faction wants them out on schedule in December

Muqtada al-Sadr Returns to Iraq

Anti-American cleric's political influence rising

Iraqi PM: US Troops Must Get Out by End of 2011

Maliki vows new government won't team up with Iran

About Us

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Newser By Users

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