Comments for Private Military Herald

Comment on The wheels of investigation turn slowly at IPOA by Africa Policy Outlook 2010 | EthioSun: We all are Haitians!

Africa Policy Outlook 2010 | EthioSun: We all are Haitians! — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:56:51 +0000

[...] represents a huge opportunity for business.” However, given that there is little to no congressional oversight of private military contractors (PMCs), coupled with the already well-known history of [...]

Comment on Judge Weighs Misconduct Finding in Blackwater Case by bridd8

bridd8 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:30:56 +0000

Obviously something went terribly wrong on this day. But the conduct of the justice prosecuters is terribly wrong also. Hope these guys and XE sue the crap out of them.

Comment on Judge dismisses all charges in Blackwater shooting by CI

CI — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:14:35 +0000

Vindication for those men and Xe.

Comment on Letter from AGNA Whistleblower by Agna : informations, photos, carte, vue satellite

Agna : informations, photos, carte, vue satellite — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:40:41 +0000

[...] TermeCadonegheCampagna LupiaCampolongo MaggioreCamponogaraCastegneroChioggiaCona Liens connexes : Letter from AGNA Whistleblower | Private Military HeraldThe following is a letter written by John Gorman to Senator Lieberman in July of 2007 regarding the [...]

Comment on State Dept. Can’t Find Supervisors for Its Guns-for-Hire by landshark40258

landshark40258 — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:28:47 +0000

The article is pretty accurate and with that, the DS requires the recruit to have spent at least a year or so in a high threat country. So most of the applicants are from XE (Blackwater), Triple Canopy, and DynCorp.

As for “critically needed oversight and supervision” it will be the same guys that were over there as contractors except now they are with the DS. That is the same as when Triple Canopy took over the contract from Blackwater, all the contractors did was just join TC. It is still the same people, just a different shirt.

Comment on The wheels of investigation turn slowly at IPOA by Industry Talk: U.S. Seeks New Guards in Kabul | Feral Jundi

Industry Talk: U.S. Seeks New Guards in Kabul | Feral Jundi — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:25:41 +0000

[...] The other story on this, is check out David Isenberg’s article at PMH about IPOA and it’s slow progress on the investigation of complaints in regards to Armor [...]

Comment on Contractor helicopter missing in Afghanistan by Feral Jundi

Feral Jundi — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:23:30 +0000

It looks like they found the crashed helicopter, three killed. Rest in peace.

http://www.canada.com/news/Three+bodies+recovered+from+Afghan+helicopter+crash/2276284/story.html

Comment on Report: Blackwater OK’d plan to bribe Iraqis by Jake

Jake — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:01:26 +0000

You are exactly correct Eeben. It is common practice in Iraq for both the U.S. Govt and private companies to make payments of restitution. This is often done even in instances where the paying party may not admit guilt. This practice is very common among Iraqi tribes where the death of one tribe member results in a financial settlement to ‘make it even’.

Moving funds into country to make such payment, or for that matter having it on-hand, is not uncommon. The difference here is that the ‘allegation’ was the money was to be paid to Iraqi policymakers and not next-of-kin to the deceased. That is a pretty strong allegation and one which should be backed by verifiable evidence. But again, these are merely ‘allegations’ which have no corroboration from any quarter. Not from the Iraqi side and not from the U.S. State Dept. This is completely based on 2 anonymous former employees. Where are the documents, the emails, the eyewitnesses willing to go on the record?

Comment on Report: Blackwater OK’d plan to bribe Iraqis by Eeben Barlow

Eeben Barlow — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:47:06 +0000

Hi Jake,
I am certainly in no position to comment what Blackwater did or didn’t do, try or didn’t try but was this not perhaps a misconstrued attempt at so-called blood-money? In some communities, it is an accepted method to right the wrongs. Could it not be what they were trying to do – admitting an error and offering a financial apology?
On a different note: Thank you for keeping us updated on happenings out there. I know it is hard work but I believe that I speak for many when I say we appreciate it.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Rgds,
Eeben

Comment on Fiancée of security Iraq guard wants justice by Editor

Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:30:30 +0000

I agree with you Eeben. I think this event has wider applications to the industry. It’s similar to these two Norwegeeee amatuers in the DRC. You can’t go running around in some other country acting a fool and then expect your Foreign Minister to yank you out when it all goes pear-shaped. If your not prepared to face the laws of the land then best stay home.

Jake