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As usual, CBS is the network that is pursuing the aftermath of the Blackwater USA killings of Baghdad civilians in September (16 reports v ABC 4, NBC 10) most diligently. Now it claims an Exclusive for David Martin's report from the Pentagon on a letter drafted by Iraq's Ministry of the Interior seeking parliamentary approval for the repeal of legal immunity granted to civilian contractors working in Iraq. If ratified, Martin predicted, all private security firms, with 8,500 personnel guarding "diplomats, convoys and reconstruction sites" would leave Iraq, personnel who are "indispensable to US operations in Iraq." Martin quoted Carter Andress, boss of the American-Iraqi Solutions Group, explaining that he would never agree to liability under the Iraqi legal system because its police force is "riddled with corruption and infiltrated by enemy fighters." The parliament is notoriously unable to pass any legislation yet the lifting of immunity may be one law "they can agree upon," Andress shrugged.
It seems amazing that we are supp posed to be bring democracy and Rule of Law to Iraq but we refuse to adhere or lead by example to even the spirit democracy? Is this type of immunity allowed in the USA? Immunity from the most basic democratic principles and accountability only leads to and enforces abuses.
Additionally, if Mr.Andress is the best and most upright spokesmen for Contractors in Iraq then we are in serious trouble.
10.16.2007
The following are comments about Mr. Andress´ interview with the National Review several weeks ago concerning his book: Contractor Combatants: Tales of an Imbedded Capitalist. If he is a better option than Blackwater then we really are in trouble.
Good day!
The interview and comments from Mr. Andress are interesting. He appears articulate and intelligent. I fully support our troops and the mission to bring stability and democracy to Iraq while returning our troops home ASAP.
However, the definition of combatant contractor still is a euphemism for a mercenary to many people, especially in the Mid East. An Imbedded Capitalist combatant contractor makes it clear that the mission is about money and not some altruistic crusade. The US military wants the conflict to be over ASAP to bring the troops home. The imbedded combatant contractor wants and needs this struggle to be prolonged as long as possible to continue profiting from the conflict.
Mr. Andress cleverly sells parts of his abilities with implied skills and stories to his audience. Now he has substituted experience and relevant skills needed to rebuild Iraq and bring our troops home with his self promotion and salesmanship. Examples range from his euphemism for a mercenary as a combatant contractor, CEO taking a company public through the SEC to importing vodka. Mr. Andress has secured the most lucrative money making venture of his life through his salesmanship and not real qualifications.
Mr. Andress´ construction and engineering experience pri
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