Well, it turns out that theIraqi government has had repeated problems with Blackwater’s actions, with a number of incidents, including breaking Iraqi Electricity Minister Ahyam al Samarrai out of a Green Zone jail in December. Samarrai had been awaiting sentencing on charges that he had embezzled $2.5 billion that was intended to rebuild Iraq’s decrepit electricity grid.
This is getting out of hand.
The State Department has suspended all ground travel in Iraq, because the Iraqi government has shut down Blackwater’s mercenary operations.
Yep, the surge is making the place safer.
No big surprise there, though this is this is the Iraqi Government* Report.
Turns out that without their mercenaries, the State Department is on lockdown in Iraq. They have suspended all land travel.
It also appears that rules of engagement given by State to Blackwater appear to be rather close to “shoot first and ask questions later.”
*Yes, I know that “Iraqi Government is an oxymoron”.