Private Security Forces in Iraq
Private Security Forces In Iraq The on-going war in Iraq has been a war that has changed the tactics in which war is fought. The war in Iraq has been fought mainly through the use of aerial missiles and by surprise, a large number of women. This current war has demonstrated the change of times and the rise of the information age. But the most surprising aspect of the war in Iraq is the large sum of private security forces patrolling Iraq. These private security forces have amassed to around 20,000 soldiers so far in the Iraqi region and growing. Their role according to a New York Times article, is in addition to guarding innumerable reconstruction projects, private companies are being asked to provide security for the chief of the Coalition Provisional Authority, L. Paul Bremer, and other senior officials; to escort supply convoys through hostile territory; and to defend key locations, including 15 regional authority headquarters and even the Green Zone in downtown Baghdad, the center of American power in Iraq. The private security forces are being thrown into situations in which some were not prepared for and have killed many insurgents. The private companies are not governed by any direct rule, therefore creating mass confusion on top of an already chaotic state. “Sorting out lines of authority and communication can be complex.” (www.globalpolicy.org). Many of the security guards are hired as independent contractors by a subcontracted company, that in turn was hired by the prime contractor, who is paid by the United States. With more than 20,000 private security forces in Iraq currently and no guidelines to direct them, there is confusion among coalition, Iraqi, and insurgent soldiers. The rules that have been set forth by the United States to the private security forces are much of a blur once you land in Iraq. If you were to land in Iraq today, there is a great chance that you would encounter a private security guard. There is also a great chance you will
Cited: Barstow, David, et al. "Security Companies: Shadow Soldiers in Iraq." New York Times 19 Apr. 2004. Global Policy Forum. 2004. 24 Apr. 2005 . "Private Forces in Iraq Need Shorter Leash." Editorial. Lincoln Journal Star 15 Mar. 2005. journalstar.com. 2005. 24 Apr. 2005 . Yeoman, Barry. "Soldiers of Good Fortune." Mother Jones May-June 2003. motherjones.com. 2003. Foundation For National Progress. 24 Apr. 2005 . Anonymous. “Iraq”. Retrieved April 23, 2005. Website: www.globalpolicy.org BlackwaterUSA. “Iraqi Mission”. Retrieved April 23, 2005. Website: www.blackwaterusa.com