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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Embattled Blackwater Maneuvering to Expand Role

Seeks new contracts despite massacre

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(Newser) – Blackwater, the private security firm under fire for controversial shootings in Iraq, is preparing expansion plans to develop a bigger role as an arm of the US military. Company founder Erik Prince wants to make Blackwater a one-stop shop for all kinds of operations to which Washington won't commit US forces, reports the Wall Street Journal. 

The Pentagon recently tapped Blackwater to compete for parts of a $15 billion program to fight terrorists with drug-trade ties. The US government wants contractors to help allies thwart drug trafficking with equipment, training and personnel. Prince also envisions his men responding to natural disasters and carrying out mundane operations such as moving military equipment. Blackwater is under investigation for a Baghdad shooting that killed 17 Iraqi civilians.

Blackwater USA founder Erik Prince testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this Oct. 2, 2007 file photo, before the House Oversight Committee hearing examining the mission and performance of the private military contractor Blackwater in Iraq and Afghanistan.The chief executive of Blackwater USA, whose guards are accused of...
Blackwater USA founder Erik Prince testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this Oct. 2, 2007 file photo, before the House Oversight Committee hearing examining the mission and performance of the private...   (Associated Press)
In a file photo Plainclothes contractors working for Blackwater USA take part in a firefight as Iraqi demonstrators loyal to Muqtada Al Sadr attempt to advance on a facility being defended by U.S. and Spanish soldiers, Sunday, April 4, 2004 in the Iraqi city of Najaf, The State Department...
In a file photo Plainclothes contractors working for Blackwater USA take part in a firefight as Iraqi demonstrators loyal to Muqtada Al Sadr attempt to advance on a facility being defended by U.S. and...   (Associated Press)
A helicopter operated by Blackwater USA, a private security contractor, flies over central Baghdad, Iraq, In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, file photo. U.S. and Iraqi officials are negotiating Baghdad's demand that security company Blackwater USA be expelled from the country within six months, and American diplomats appear to...
A helicopter operated by Blackwater USA, a private security contractor, flies over central Baghdad, Iraq, In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, file photo. U.S. and Iraqi officials are negotiating Baghdad's...   (Associated Press)
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Iraq • Robert Gates • Raytheon • Blackwater • drug trafficking • Lockheed Martin • Erik Prince • Northrop Grumman Corp • David Price

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