27-03-2009, 10:27 AM
Litigation
See also: Helvenston et al. v. Blackwater Security
Xe is currently being sued by the families of Scott Helvenston and the three other contractors killed in Fallujah in March 2004. The families say they are not suing for financial damages, but rather for the details of their sons' and husbands' deaths, saying Xe has refused to supply these details, and that in its "zeal to exploit this unexpected market for private security men," the company "showed a callous disregard for the safety of its employees."[72] Four family members testified in front of the House Government Reform Committee on February 7, 2007. They asked that Xe be held accountable for future negligence of employees' lives, and that federal legislation be drawn up to govern contracts between the Department of Defense and defense contractors.[72] Xe has counter-sued the lawyer representing the empty estates of the deceased for $10 million on the grounds the lawsuit was contractually prohibited from ever being filed.[143]
According to an Army report, on November 27, 2004, a Blackwater plane, "in violation of numerous government regulations and contract requirements," crashed into a mountainside in Afghanistan, killing all six passengers on board.[144] Several U.S. military personnel were on board because there was space on the cargo plane. It is alleged that Blackwater staff made a series of errors leading to the plane crashing into a rock wall.[citation needed] Errors included failing to file a flight plan and failing to use oxygen masks, which may have caused the pilot to succumb to high-altitude euphoria.[145] The families of the three soldiers killed — Lt. Col. Michael McMahon, Chief Warrant Officer Travis Grogan and Spec. Harley Miller — filed a wrongful death suit against Blackwater, alleging negligence. Presidential Airways, a division of Blackwater, questioned the validity of the Army's report, stating that it "contains numerous errors, misstatements, and unfounded assumptions."[144] On April 19, 2006, The Nation magazine published an article titled, "Blood is Thicker Than Blackwater," concerning the families' lawsuit against Blackwater. The article discussed the removal of the word "armored" from already-signed contracts, and other allegations of wrongdoing.[146]
On October 11, 2007, the Center for Constitutional Rights filed suit against Blackwater under the Alien Tort Claims Act on behalf of an injured Iraqi and the families of three of the 17 Iraqis killed by Blackwater employees during the September 16, 2007 Blackwater Baghdad shootings.[147]
Ongoing controversies
See also: Blackwater Worldwide arms smuggling allegations There are a variety of ongoing controversies involving Blackwater Worldwide that are not in direct relation to their specific and individual operations for the U.S. government. However, their role in their work is the factor of these controversies.[148] It has alternatively been referred to as a security contractor or a mercenary organization by numerous reports by the U.S. and international media.[3][4][5][6][7] Critics consider Xe's self-description as a private military company to be a euphemism for mercenary activities.[49] Jeremy Scahill points out that Chilean nationals, mostly former soldiers, whose country of origin does not participate in hostilities in Iraq, work for Xe in that country, thus those Chileans meet the definition of "mercenary."[149][150] At least 60 Chilean Blackwater employees were trained during dictator Augusto Pinochet's regime.[151][152][153] Author Chris Hedges wrote about the establishment of mercenary armies, referring to Blackwater as an example of such a force, asserting its existence as a threat to democracy and a step towards the creation of a modern day Praetorian Guard in a June 3, 2007 article in the Philadelphia Inquirer.[154]
![[Image: Black_jcofer_sct.jpg]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/39/Black_jcofer_sct.jpg)
![[Image: magnify-clip.png]](http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png)
J. Cofer Black, vice chairman of Blackwater
In March 2006, Cofer Black, vice chairman of Blackwater USA, allegedly suggested at an international conference in Amman, Jordan, that the company was ready to move towards providing security professionals up to brigade size (3,000–5,000) for humanitarian efforts and low-intensity conflicts. Critics have suggested this may be going too far in putting political decisions in the hands of privately owned corporations.[155] The company denies this was ever said.[156]
In December 2006, an Iraqi politician, Ayham al-Samarie, escaped from a prison in Iraq, where he was awaiting trial for 12 criminal corruption cases.[157][158] Blackwater, which he had hired for protection before his arrest, allegedly helped him escape.[157][158] He said from Dubai he would return to the United States as he hadn't broken any U.S. laws and had fled Iraq because he feared he would be killed or kidnapped.[citation needed] He arrived in Chicago on January 9, claiming that an Iraqi judge had ordered his release, he feared being killed if he stayed in jail, and U.S. officials had assured him he would not be extradited to Iraq.[citation needed]
On September 22, 2007, U.S. federal prosecutors announced an investigation into allegations that Blackwater employees may have smuggled weapons into Iraq, and that these weapons may have been later transferred to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish nationalist group designated a terrorist organization by the United States, NATO and the EU.[159][160][161] The U.S. government was investigating Blackwater for these alleged crimes.[162] On October 4, 2007, the FBI took over the investigation.[163]
Prince claimed in September 2007 that there was a “rush to judgment” about Blackwater, due to "inaccurate information".[164]
In January 2008, Marshall Adame, a Democrat running for Congress in North Carolina's 3rd District, took part in a live question-and-answer forum where he was asked a question about Blackwater. Adame, who had served as a State Department official in Iraq recounted, "I saw them shoot people, I saw them crash into cars while I was their passenger. There was absolutely no reason, no provocation whatsoever." He then stated, "There is no place in the American force structure, or in American culture for mercenaries, they are guns for hire; No more, no less."[citation needed]
Xe, which had been operating in Iraq without an Iraqi government license, applied for one for the first time, but the request was denied by Iraqi officials in January 2009. The Iraqi government announced that Xe must leave Iraq as soon as a joint Iraqi-US committee finishes drafting the new guidelines on private contractors under the current Iraqi-US security agreement. Umm Tahsin, widow of one of the men killed by Xe employees in the Nisoor Square shooting, said of the denial, "Those people are a group of criminals. What they did was a massacre. Pushing them out is the best solution. They destroyed our family."[165] On January 31, 2009 the US State Department notified Blackwater that the agency would not renew its security contract with the company.[166] The Washington Times, however, reported on March 17, 2009 that the US State Department had extended its Iraq security contract with Xe to September 3, 2009 for a cost of $22.2 million.[167]
References
See also: Helvenston et al. v. Blackwater Security
Xe is currently being sued by the families of Scott Helvenston and the three other contractors killed in Fallujah in March 2004. The families say they are not suing for financial damages, but rather for the details of their sons' and husbands' deaths, saying Xe has refused to supply these details, and that in its "zeal to exploit this unexpected market for private security men," the company "showed a callous disregard for the safety of its employees."[72] Four family members testified in front of the House Government Reform Committee on February 7, 2007. They asked that Xe be held accountable for future negligence of employees' lives, and that federal legislation be drawn up to govern contracts between the Department of Defense and defense contractors.[72] Xe has counter-sued the lawyer representing the empty estates of the deceased for $10 million on the grounds the lawsuit was contractually prohibited from ever being filed.[143]
According to an Army report, on November 27, 2004, a Blackwater plane, "in violation of numerous government regulations and contract requirements," crashed into a mountainside in Afghanistan, killing all six passengers on board.[144] Several U.S. military personnel were on board because there was space on the cargo plane. It is alleged that Blackwater staff made a series of errors leading to the plane crashing into a rock wall.[citation needed] Errors included failing to file a flight plan and failing to use oxygen masks, which may have caused the pilot to succumb to high-altitude euphoria.[145] The families of the three soldiers killed — Lt. Col. Michael McMahon, Chief Warrant Officer Travis Grogan and Spec. Harley Miller — filed a wrongful death suit against Blackwater, alleging negligence. Presidential Airways, a division of Blackwater, questioned the validity of the Army's report, stating that it "contains numerous errors, misstatements, and unfounded assumptions."[144] On April 19, 2006, The Nation magazine published an article titled, "Blood is Thicker Than Blackwater," concerning the families' lawsuit against Blackwater. The article discussed the removal of the word "armored" from already-signed contracts, and other allegations of wrongdoing.[146]
On October 11, 2007, the Center for Constitutional Rights filed suit against Blackwater under the Alien Tort Claims Act on behalf of an injured Iraqi and the families of three of the 17 Iraqis killed by Blackwater employees during the September 16, 2007 Blackwater Baghdad shootings.[147]
Ongoing controversies
See also: Blackwater Worldwide arms smuggling allegations There are a variety of ongoing controversies involving Blackwater Worldwide that are not in direct relation to their specific and individual operations for the U.S. government. However, their role in their work is the factor of these controversies.[148] It has alternatively been referred to as a security contractor or a mercenary organization by numerous reports by the U.S. and international media.[3][4][5][6][7] Critics consider Xe's self-description as a private military company to be a euphemism for mercenary activities.[49] Jeremy Scahill points out that Chilean nationals, mostly former soldiers, whose country of origin does not participate in hostilities in Iraq, work for Xe in that country, thus those Chileans meet the definition of "mercenary."[149][150] At least 60 Chilean Blackwater employees were trained during dictator Augusto Pinochet's regime.[151][152][153] Author Chris Hedges wrote about the establishment of mercenary armies, referring to Blackwater as an example of such a force, asserting its existence as a threat to democracy and a step towards the creation of a modern day Praetorian Guard in a June 3, 2007 article in the Philadelphia Inquirer.[154]
![[Image: Black_jcofer_sct.jpg]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Black_jcofer_sct.jpg)
J. Cofer Black, vice chairman of Blackwater
In March 2006, Cofer Black, vice chairman of Blackwater USA, allegedly suggested at an international conference in Amman, Jordan, that the company was ready to move towards providing security professionals up to brigade size (3,000–5,000) for humanitarian efforts and low-intensity conflicts. Critics have suggested this may be going too far in putting political decisions in the hands of privately owned corporations.[155] The company denies this was ever said.[156]
In December 2006, an Iraqi politician, Ayham al-Samarie, escaped from a prison in Iraq, where he was awaiting trial for 12 criminal corruption cases.[157][158] Blackwater, which he had hired for protection before his arrest, allegedly helped him escape.[157][158] He said from Dubai he would return to the United States as he hadn't broken any U.S. laws and had fled Iraq because he feared he would be killed or kidnapped.[citation needed] He arrived in Chicago on January 9, claiming that an Iraqi judge had ordered his release, he feared being killed if he stayed in jail, and U.S. officials had assured him he would not be extradited to Iraq.[citation needed]
On September 22, 2007, U.S. federal prosecutors announced an investigation into allegations that Blackwater employees may have smuggled weapons into Iraq, and that these weapons may have been later transferred to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish nationalist group designated a terrorist organization by the United States, NATO and the EU.[159][160][161] The U.S. government was investigating Blackwater for these alleged crimes.[162] On October 4, 2007, the FBI took over the investigation.[163]
Prince claimed in September 2007 that there was a “rush to judgment” about Blackwater, due to "inaccurate information".[164]
In January 2008, Marshall Adame, a Democrat running for Congress in North Carolina's 3rd District, took part in a live question-and-answer forum where he was asked a question about Blackwater. Adame, who had served as a State Department official in Iraq recounted, "I saw them shoot people, I saw them crash into cars while I was their passenger. There was absolutely no reason, no provocation whatsoever." He then stated, "There is no place in the American force structure, or in American culture for mercenaries, they are guns for hire; No more, no less."[citation needed]
Xe, which had been operating in Iraq without an Iraqi government license, applied for one for the first time, but the request was denied by Iraqi officials in January 2009. The Iraqi government announced that Xe must leave Iraq as soon as a joint Iraqi-US committee finishes drafting the new guidelines on private contractors under the current Iraqi-US security agreement. Umm Tahsin, widow of one of the men killed by Xe employees in the Nisoor Square shooting, said of the denial, "Those people are a group of criminals. What they did was a massacre. Pushing them out is the best solution. They destroyed our family."[165] On January 31, 2009 the US State Department notified Blackwater that the agency would not renew its security contract with the company.[166] The Washington Times, however, reported on March 17, 2009 that the US State Department had extended its Iraq security contract with Xe to September 3, 2009 for a cost of $22.2 million.[167]
References
- ^ a b "Agreement for security services" (PDF). United States House of Representatives. 2004-03-12. http://oversight.house.gov/documents/200...-43671.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-12-30.
- ^ Flintoff, Corey (25 September 2009). "Blackwater's Prince Has GOP, Christian Group Ties". National Public Radio. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story...d=14659780. Retrieved on 28 February 2009.
- ^ a b Sunday Herald, Scotland, "BACK IN IRAQ: THE 'WHORES OF WAR'", October 2, 2007.
- ^ a b Jeremey Scahill, The Nation, "Will Blackwater Be Kicked Out of Iraq After Recent Bloodbath?", September 28, 2007.
- ^ a b David Swanson, Scoop New Zealand, "Observing Our Government Through Blackwater", September 29, 2007.
- ^ a b Ian Bruce, The Herald, London, "Blackwater uses armed force 'twice as often as other Iraq firms'", September 28, 2007.
- ^ a b Tehran Times, "Blackwater admits employees illegally sold weapons", September 23, 2007.
- ^ Lee, Matthew (2007-09-22). "Feds Target Blackwater in Weapons Probe". Associated Press. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...00321.html. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ Elsea, Jennifer; Nina Serafino. "CRS report for congress, Private security contractors in Iraq: Background, legal status and other issues" (PDF). http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL32419.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ Sizemore, Bill; Joanne Kimberlin (2007-07-25). "Blackwater: On the Front Lines". The Virginian-Pilot. http://hamptonroads.com/node/66271. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ a b Londoño, Ernesto; Mizher, Qais (29 January 2009). "Iraq to Deny New License To Blackwater Security Firm: U.S. Embassy's Preferred Contractor Accused of Killings". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...03319.html. Retrieved on 28 February 2009.
- ^ Risen, James; Williams, Timothy (29 January 2009). "U.S. Looks for Blackwater Replacement in Iraq". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/world/...water.html. Retrieved on 28 February 2009.
- ^ Baker, Mike (2009-02-13). "In shift, Blackwater dumps tarnished brand name". The Associated Press. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/B...TE=DEFAULT. Retrieved on 2009-02-13.
- ^ Hedgpeth, Dana (2009-02-14). "Blackwater Sheds Name, Shifts Focus". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...49_pf.html. Retrieved on 2009-02-18.
- ^ Thomas, Evan; Hosenball, Mark (2007-10-22). "The Man Behind Blackwater". Newsweek: 36–38. http://www.newsweek.com/id/43361. Retrieved on 2009-02-28.
- ^ Squitieri, Tom (2004-04-01). "Role of security companies likely to become more visible". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/...usat_x.htm. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ Sizemore, Bill (2005-09-15). "US: Private Security Company Creates Stir in New Orleans". The Virginian-Pilot. http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=12634. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ Berkowitz, Bill (2007-06-29). "Blackwater Blues for Dead Contractors' Families". IPS News. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38379. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ Flintoff, Corey (2007-09-25). "Blackwater's Prince Has GOP, Christian Group Ties". National Public Radio. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story...d=14659780. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ "Four Civilians Worked for N.C. Security Firm". Associated Press. Fox News. 2004-03-31. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,115806,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ Silverstein, Ken (2007-09-22). "Revolving Door to Blackwater Causes Alarm at CIA". Harper's Magazine.
- ^ "About Total Intelligence Solutions". http://www.totalintel.com/dsp_aboutus_personnel.php. Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
- ^ "Former Top Counterterrorism Official Cofer Black Joins Romney For President". http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Rel...y_Campaign. Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
- ^ a b "Locals Against Training Camp In East County". 10News.com. 2007-05-12. http://www.10news.com/news/13308753/detail.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ a b R. J. Hillhouse (2007-04-26). "Exclusive Interview: Blackwater USA's President Gary Jackson". The Spy Who Billed Me. http://www.thespywhobilledme.com/the_spy..._usa_.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ a b c Bauder, Don (2007-02-22). "Tiny Potrero Battles County and Blackwater USA". San Diego Reader. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2007/...water-usa/. Retrieved on 2008-04-13.
- ^ a b Van Deerlin, Lionel (2007-04-19). "Blackwater in Potrero?". http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/op-ed...ndeer.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ a b "Blackwater Plans for New Military Facility Near San Diego Draws Fire From Residents, Peace Activists and Local Congressmember". Democracy Now!. 2004-04-19. http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?s...19/1349211. Retrieved on 2007-12-12.
- ^ a b Khan, Carrie (2007-10-09). "Blackwater's San Diego-Area Plan Spurs Protest". National Public Radio. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story...d=15127334. Retrieved on 2007-12-30.
- ^ a b Sizemore, Bill (2007-10-26). "Blackwater delivers supplies to wildfire victims in California". The Virginian-Pilot. http://hamptonroads.com/node/373811. Retrieved on 2007-12-30.
- ^ a b c Von Zielbauer, Paul (2007-10-22). "Blackwater Softens Its Logo From Macho to Corporate". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/busine...ref=slogin. Retrieved on 2007-12-30.
- ^ Apuzzo M. & Baker M. (2008). Blackwater brand shift: Security to take back seat. Retrieved from http://www.newsobserver.com/1573/story/1149203.html on July 29, 2008.
- ^ Kravitz, Derek, "Blackwater Founder Steps Aside", Washington Post, March 2, 2009; Baker, Mike, "Blackwater Founder Resigns As Chief Executive", Associated Press, March 3, 2009.
- ^ "Blackwater tactical driving track". Blackwater USA. http://www.blackwaterusa.com/images/pdf/...etails.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ Bauder, Don (2007-02-02). "Tiny Potrero Battles County and Blackwater USA". San Diego Reader. http://www.sdreader.com/php/cityshow.php?id=1566. Retrieved on 2007-12-12.
- ^ "Blackwater target systems". Blackwater USA. http://www.blackwaterusa.com/targetsystems/. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ Role of security companies likely to become more visible
- ^ Private Security Contractors in Iraq: Background, Legal Status, and Other Issues
- ^ http://oversight.house.gov/documents/20071001121609.pdf
- ^ Video BLACKWATER MERCS IN IRAQ - BLACKWATER, MERCS, IN, IRAQ, MERCENARIES - Dailymotion Share Your Videos
- ^ Blackwater: New Horizons | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com
- ^ "Security Firms Try To Evolve Beyond The Battlefield". The Washington Post. 2006-01-17. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...01071.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-27.
- ^ "Blackwater armored vehicle". Blackwater USA. http://www.blackwaterusa.com/armored/. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ "Blackwater training center". Blackwater USA. http://www.blackwaterusa.com/training/inter_default.asp. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ Scahill, Jeremy (2007-04-13). "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army". Media Mouse. http://www.mediamouse.org/reviews/041307black.php. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ a b Blackwater Hits the High Seas | Danger Room from Wired.com
- ^ Blackwater showing off new training ship at Nauticus | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com
- ^ a b Blackwater USA Completes Acquisition of Aviation Worldwide Services
- ^ a b Cherbonnier, Alice (2007-03-26). "Blackwater Reveals Underpinnings of 'Private Security' Industry". Baltimore Chronicle. http://baltimorechronicle.com/2007/03260...nnier.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ Hemingway, Mark (2006-12-18). "Warriors for Hire". The Weekly Standard. http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Pu...2fxarf.asp. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ "Blackwater aviation". Blackwater USA. http://www.blackwaterusa.com/aviation/. Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
- ^ Blackwater Aviation News
- ^ Name Results
- ^ N-Number Results
- ^ FlightAware > Live Flight Tracker > History > N964BW
- ^ FlightAware > Live Flight Tracker > History > N962BW
- ^ FlightAware > Live Flight Tracker > History > N968BW
- ^ http://media.argentina.indymedia.org/upl...opjpg9.jpg
- ^ Here are NAMES in CIA Flights, Front-companies, Rendition Story! : Argentina Indymedia (( i ))
- ^ a b FAA Information about Blackwater Airstrip Airport (NC61)
- ^ Broward-Palm Beach - News - Err America
- ^ Wilber, "A Crash's Echoes", Washington Post, October 17, 2007.
- ^ Think Progress » Pentagon Issues Blackwater New $92 Million Contract
- ^ Pentagon Gives Blackwater New Contract - by Ali Gharib
- ^ Blackwater USA
- ^ Blackwater Bulks Up Air Power Using Little-Known Company | Danger Room from Wired.com
- ^ FAA REGISTRY Inquiry
- ^ Name Results
- ^ a b c d Sun.Star Manila - Senator to look into mercenary list-up, exercises in Subic
- ^ Virginian-Pilot Archives
- ^ "Blackwater USA: Building the 'Largest Private Army in the World'". Democracy Now!. 2004-04-01. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
- ^ a b c d Bennet, Brian (2007-03-15). "Victims of an Outsourced War". TIME. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/articl...82,00.html. Retrieved on 2007-10-25.
- ^ a b c Fainaru, Steve; Saad al-Izzi (2007-05-07). "U.S. Security Contractors Open Fire in Baghdad". Washington Post. p. A01. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...01394.html.
- ^ Zagorin, Adam; Bennet, Brian (2007-09-17). "Iraq Limits Blackwater's Operations". TIME. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0...86,00.html. Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
- ^ "Additional Information about Blackwater USA" (PDF). U.S Senate Oversight Committee (Los Angeles Times). 2007-10-21. http://www.latimes.com/media/acrobat/200...930222.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-12-28.
- ^ Johnston, David; John M. Broder (2007-11-14). ""F.B.I. Says Guards Killed 14 Iraqis Without Cause"". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/world/...water.html. Retrieved on 2007-11-30.
- ^ Boston Herald: Blackwater faces fine for illegally shipping arms to Iraq
- ^ "Blackwater Faces Hefty Fine for Iraq Gun Violations". Newser. Nov 13, 2008. http://www.newser.com/story/42602/blackw...tions.html. Retrieved on 2009-01-04.
- ^ Berkowitz, Bill (2007-06-29). "Blackwater Blues for Dead Contractors' Families". Inter Press Service. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38379. Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
- ^ "Blackwater boss grilled over Iraq". BBC News. 2007-10-02. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7024370.stm. Retrieved on 2007-12-30.
- ^ "The High-Risk Contracting Business". Frontline (PBS). http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/...hrisk.html. Retrieved on 2007-12-28.
- ^ "Residents hang slain Americans' bodies from bridge" CNN.com. May 6, 2004. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
- ^ Operation Vigilant Resolve, GlobalSecurity.org.
- ^ "Report: Blackwater 'impeded' probe into contractor deaths". CNN. 2007-09-27. http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/27/i...index.html. Retrieved on 2007-12-28.
- ^ Priest, Dana (2004-04-06). "Private Guards Repel Attack on U.S. Headquarters". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn...ge=printer. Retrieved on 2007-12-30.
- ^ "Contractors in combat: Firefight from a rooftop in Iraq". The Virginian-Pilot. 2006-07-25. http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cf...ran=150812. Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
- ^ Nordland, Rod; Mark Hosenball (2007-10-15). "Blackwater Is Soaked: An arrogant attitude only adds fuel to the criticism.". Newsweek. http://www.newsweek.com/id/42487. Retrieved on 2007-12-28.
- ^ Broder, John M. (2007-10-03). "Ex-Paratrooper Is Suspect in a Blackwater Killing". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/world/...or.html?hp. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ Wright, Robin; Ann Scott Tyson (2007-10-04). "Iraq reveals $100 million purchase of Chinese arms". San Jose Mercury News. http://www.mercurynews.com/nationworld/c...ck_check=1. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ "Contractor involved in Iraq shooting got job in Kuwait". CNN. 2007-10-04. http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/04/b...ontractor/. Retrieved on 2007-12-30.
- ^ Abdul-Zahra, Qassim (2007-01-24). "Suicide Bombing Kills 7 North of Baghdad". Associated Press. ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wire...id=2818435. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
- ^ Pelton, Robert Young: "Licensed to kill, hired guns in the war on terror," Crown, 2006-08-29
- ^ a b "Contractors accused of firing on civilians, GIs". Associated Press. 2007-08-11. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20231579/. Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
- ^ Sizemore, Bill (2007-01-11). "Iraq killing tracked to contractor could test laws". The Virginian-Pilot. http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cf...&ran=74075. Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
- ^ "Blackwater quits security association" by August Cole, The Wall Street Journal, October 11, 2007.
- ^ Fainaru, Steve. "How Blackwater Sniper Fire Felled 3 Iraqi Guards". Washington Post (2007-11-08). Retrieved on 2007-11-13.
- ^ F.B.I. Says Guards Killed 14 Iraqis Without Cause - New York Times
- ^ Center for Constitutional Rights. Blackwater USA Sued for Firing on Iraqi Civilians, According to Legal Team for Injured Survivor and Families of Three Killed. Press release. http://ccrjustice.org/newsroom/press-rel...njured-sur. Retrieved on 2009-01-04.
- ^ Blackwater 'killed 17', says Iraq
- ^ U.S. suspends diplomatic convoys throughout Iraq - CNN.com
- ^ U.S., Iraq to probe firefight involving Blackwater
- ^ Blackwater faulted by U.S. military: report
- ^ FBI Opens Probe Into Blackwater
- ^ Curtis, Kim (2007-10-03). "Ambush Injures Polish Diplomat in Iraq". Associated Press. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wire...id=3685330. Retrieved on 2008-04-13.
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/world/...water.html
- ^ BBC News, "Blackwater boss grilled over Iraq", October 2, 2007.
- ^ Testimony of Erik D. Prince, Chairman and CEO, Blackwater For The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, October 2, 2007.
- ^ a b "Blackwater Hires PR Giant in Image Seige" by Richard Lardner, the Associated Press, October 5, 2007, 5:17 PM, in Washington Post. Retrieved 2-16-09.
- ^ "Blackwater Aided by PR Giant" by Richard Lardner, the Associated Press, October 5, 2007 7:37 PDT in sfgate. Retrieved 2-16-09.
- ^ "Blackwater aided by PR giant" by Richard Lardner, the Associated Press, October 5, 2007. Retrieved 2008-04-13. Link inactive. Two active links added 2-16-09.
- ^ BKSH web site
- ^ National Association of Republican Campaign Professionals (NARCP) Board of Directors: Charlie Black
- ^ "Iraq security firm denies trigger-happy charge" by Ewen MacAskill, The Guardian, October 3, 2007.
- ^ "The man From Blackwater, shooting from the lip" by Dana Milbank, The Washington Post, October 3, 2007, Page A02.
- ^ CSPAN video of the quote on YouTube.
- ^ Blackwater Unplugged by Bonnie Goldstein, Slate, October 3, 2007.
- ^ Stout, David (October 1, 2007). "Report Depicts Recklessness at Blackwater". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/01/washin...ei=5087%0A. Retrieved on 2007-10-04.
- ^ a b "Blackwater Chief Defends Firm", The Associated Press, October 2, 2007 By: RICHARD LARDNER and ANNE FLAHERTY
- ^ The Washington Post, October 4, 2007 By: DeYoung, Karen. "Former Seal Calls Allegations Against Employees 'Baseless'"
- ^ House Passes Bill That Would Hike Penalties for U.S. Security Contractors in Iraq
- ^ Blackwater Case Highlights Legal Uncertainties by Alissa J. Rubin and Paul von Zielbauer, The New York Times, October 11, 2007.
- ^ COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ORDER NUMBER 17 (REVISED)
- ^ Hirch, Michael (2007-09-20). "Blackwater and the Bush Legacy". Newsweek: p. 2. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20892483/site/newsweek/. Retrieved on 2007-09-23.
- ^ "Blackwater staff face charges". CNN.com. 2007-09-23. http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/...index.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-23.
- ^ Broder, John M. (2007-10-05). "State Dept. Plans Tighter Control of Security Firm". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/06/washin...er.html?hp. Retrieved on 2007-10-06.
- ^ "Blackwater 'could lose Iraq role'". BBC News. 2008-12-18. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7788641.stm. Retrieved on 2009-01-04.
- ^ http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GCA-i...3520090131
- ^ "Security Firm Faces Criminal Charges in Iraq". The New York Times. September 23, 2007. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/world/...water.html.
- ^ "Immunity Deal Hampers Blackwater Inquiry"
- ^ BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iraq to end contractor immunity
- ^ a b Rubin, Alissa; Paul von Zielbauer (2007-10-11). "Blackwater Case Highlights Legal Uncertainties". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/11/world/...ref=slogin. Retrieved on 2008-02-01.
- ^ 5 Guards Charged With Manslaughter in Iraq Deaths
- ^ Overkill: Feared Blackwater Mercenaries Deploy in New Orleans
- ^ US-IRAQ: Blackwater Blues for Dead Contractors' Families
- ^ Five to vie for counter-narcoterrorism work
- ^ http://www.serviammagazine.com/mag/MarAp..._Story.htm
- ^ http://www.serviammagazine.com/mag/MarAp..._Story.htm
- ^ http://www.serviammagazine.com/mag/MarAp..._Story.htm
- ^ http://www.serviammagazine.com/mag/MarAp...debar2.htm
- ^ http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080623/scahill
- ^ Blackwater Training
- ^ Blackwater: Japan's Missile Defense Force | Danger Room from Wired.com
- ^ '[1] (04/20/2007).
- ^ a b Witte, Griff (2005-10-05). "Blackwater Broke Rules, Report Says". Washington Post. p. D02. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...25_pf.html.
- ^ Marc Pitzke, "The chronicle of a deadly Blackwater flight", Der Spiegel, October 06 2007.
- ^ Blood Is Thicker Than Blackwater
- ^ "Family members of slain Iraqis sue Blackwater USA for deadly Baghdad shooting". Democracy Now!. 2007-10-11. Retrieved on 2007-10-11
- ^ Gielink, Dirk; Maarten Buitenhuis, René Moelker (2007). "No Contractors on the Battlefield: The Dutch Military's Reluctance to Outsource". in Thomas Jäger, Gerhard Kümmel. Private Military and Security Companies: Chances, Problems, Pitfalls and Prospects. VS Verlag. p. 149. ISBN 3531149016.
- ^ Can Iraq (or Anyone) Hold Blackwater Accountable for Killing Iraqi Civilians? A Debate on the Role of Private Contractors in Iraq
- ^ U.S. contractor recruits guards for Iraq in Chile: Forces say experienced soldiers are quitting for private companies which pay more for similar work by Jonathan Franklin, The Guardian, March 5, 2004.
- ^ La Fogata - Irak Coletazos de Guerra Sucia En Iraq (Spanish)
- ^ News Analysis: For security in Iraq, corporate America turns to Central and South America by Louis E. V. Nevaer, The Athens News, Athens, Ohio, June 28, 2007 (archived)
- ^ "Back in Iraq: The 'whores of war': America’s hired guns in Iraq have been called ‘the coalition of the billing’, but Blackwater mercenaries are accused of more than just taking the money" by Neil Mackay, The Sunday Herald, September 27, 2007
- ^ "What if our mercenaries turn on us?" (archived) by Chris Hedges for the New York Times, philly.com, June 3, 2007.
- ^ "Blackwater USA says it can supply forces for conflicts"
- ^ "Inside America's private army" (continued)
- ^ [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwater_USA#cite_ref-MSNBC_156-0]a[/I...
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." Karl Marx
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.