EMAIL SIGN UP!
Most Popular This Week
- Wisconsin Bill Would Treat Organic Milk, Sharp Cheddar, Brown Eggs as "Junk Food"
- Patent Filing Claims Solar Energy ‘Breakthrough’
- Climate Change's 'Evil Twin': Ocean Acidification
- Disaster Capitalism Strikes as Hedge Funds Circle Near-Bankrupt Municipalities Like Vultures
- Ignoring Bee Crisis, EPA Greenlights New 'Highly Toxic' Pesticide
- Patent Filing Claims Solar Energy ‘Breakthrough’
- Wisconsin Bill Would Treat Organic Milk, Sharp Cheddar, Brown Eggs as "Junk Food"
- Climate Change's 'Evil Twin': Ocean Acidification
- In 'March Toward Disaster,' World Hits 400 PPM Milestone
- Ignoring Bee Crisis, EPA Greenlights New 'Highly Toxic' Pesticide
Popular content
Today's Top News
US Contractors Charged in Massacre
WASHINGTON - Wild, unprovoked gunfire and grenades killed 14 innocent Iraqis and hurt dozens more in a 2007 Baghdad attack, prosecutors said yesterday in announcing charges with mandatory 30-year prison terms against five Blackwater Worldwide security guards.
The justice department called the shooting a shocking and devastating violation of human rights.
The harsh words echoed the outrage of Iraqis, who have waited more than a year to see how the U.S. would respond to the shooting.
The shooting by the largest U.S. security contractor in Iraq sparked international condemnation, launched congressional hearings and inspired anti-American insurgent propaganda.
The five guards - all decorated military veterans - surrendered in federal court in Utah, where one of them lives. A judge ordered them to report to a Washington, D.C., courthouse Jan. 6, where they were expected to plead not guilty.
A sixth Blackwater guard struck a deal with prosecutors, turned on his former colleagues, and pleaded guilty to killing one Iraqi and wounding another.
"None of the victims of this shooting was armed. None of them was an insurgent," U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Taylor said at a Washington news conference about the charges.
Prosecutors said the slain included young children, women, people fleeing in cars and a man whose arms were raised in surrender as he was shot in the chest.
Twenty others were wounded in Sept. 16, 2007, shootings in crowded Nisoor Square, including one injured by a grenade launched into a nearby girls' school. Another 18 Iraqis were assaulted but not wounded, prosecutors said.
Blackwater, which was not charged in the case, maintains its guards were protecting themselves from what they believed was an imminent car bomb attack.
"We think it's pure and simple a case of self-defence,'' defence attorney Paul Cassell said yesterday as the guards were being booked. "Tragically, people did die."
The five guards were charged with 14 counts of manslaughter, 20 counts of attempted manslaughter and one count of using a machine gun to commit a crime of violence. The latter charge carries a 30-year minimum prison sentence.
The guards are Donald Ball, a former marine from West Valley City, Utah; Dustin Heard, a former marine from Knoxville, Tenn.; Evan Liberty, a former marine from Rochester, N.H.; Nick Slatten, a former army sergeant from Sparta, Tenn.; and Paul Slough, an army veteran from Keller, Tex.
The sixth guard is Jeremy Ridgeway of California. He pleaded guilty to one count each of manslaughter, attempted manslaughter, and aiding and abetting. Ridgeway admitted in his plea agreement there was no threat from a white Kia sedan whose driver, a medical student, was killed.
Khalid Ibrahim, a 40-year-old electrician who said his father, Ibrahim Abid, 78, died in the shooting, welcomed the charges.
"Justice must be achieved so that we can have rest from the agony we are living in," he said in Iraq.
The Moyock, N.C.-based Blackwater said it stands behind the guards despite being "extremely disappointed and surprised" that one had pleaded guilty.
- Posted in
Comments
Note: Disqus 2012 is best viewed on an up to date browser. Click here for information. Instructions for how to sign up to comment can be viewed here. Our Comment Policy can be viewed here. Please follow the guidelines. Note to Readers: Spam Filter May Capture Legitimate Comments...
32 Comments so far
Show All>>"We think it's pure and simple a case of self-defence,'' defence attorney Paul Cassell said yesterday as the guards were being booked. "Tragically, people did die."
If a security Guard in a Mall in New York City hears a gunshot fired, does that entitle said Guard to fire into a crowd of shoppers with a machine gun in an act of "self defense".?
If the courts will not clear a security guard who acted in such a manner inside the United States, then they should not clear one of the hired guns for doing the same in Iraq.
Excellent comment.
Having armed civilians (mercenaries) in a combat zone will almost always result in this type of disaster or other incidents equally distasteful.
Though these were all ex-soldiers they were under no military restraint or rules and usually the type that hires on with the Blackwaters of the world are the worst elements of the military and are usually weeded out early.
I believe these circumstances will be proven and though the charge is Manslaughter, I would think it should be Murder given the circumstances.
These 5 Blackwater guards are probably guilty, but in my opinion, they are the scapegoats for Blackwater and are being used as sacrificial lambs. They are only a small part of the company. Blackwater needs to be put on trial, as they are certainly not exculpatory.
The disdain that august figures such as Sun-Tzu and Machiavelli had for mercenaries is merely reinforced by this disgusting episode. Even worse than the actual mercenaries are those who employ them.
www.wunderman-comics.com
Great comment!!!
Even worse than the actual mercenaries are those who employ them
and pay them and protect them like the U.S. Secretary of State.
Can't disagree with that.
Defund Blackwater.
I never thought I would be saying this:
We need to bring back the draft.
I agree, but it won't happen.
draft = kids of privileged classes dying in large numbers in dusty hell holes = mass protest in place of "support the troops" stickers.
with the coming depression there will be plenty looking the for work with the army being the employer of last resort.
First I'd heartily agree. No more mercenaries hired to do the militaries job. Never a private army hired again or even allowed to continue as such.
I must disagree about the draft. No draft, please. Volunteers can decide to join or not, so they have no surprises coming. And we can fulfill all our needs thru volunteers (especially after getting out of Cheney's mess)
Drafts favor the rich and prey on the poor who seldom get deferments and you cannot have a draft withour deferments.
"We need to bring back the draft."
I agree with my friend Thomas on this one; You never,ever want to go back to a draft.
"Defund Blackwater."
I agree. Also limit their scope of operations to that of unarmed shopping mall security guards.
Thanks for the support on the draft!
"Also limit their scope of operations to that of unarmed shopping mall security guards"
Really, really good idea. Thats what the general opinion of our troops is about the capabilities these buzzards anyway.
Unfortunately, the place of this trial is set to begin in one of the most conservative/pro-war/pro-military states in the country, and I think the place of trial has been maneuvered by the powers that be to get these guys off. The five were full of confident smiles yesterday as they landed in Utah. Looks like the Utah public is fully behind these mercenaries. And what about witnesses for the prosecution? Will they bring in Iraqi citizens who were shot but survived to tell their side of the massacre??? I'm not very optimistic about them being held accountable for their murderous rampage. The other thing is this is not the only incident, there have been many civilians caught up in these kinds of shootings -- only a few have made to into the media. Kind of like Mi Lai -- turns out there were many Mi Lai's (once a month in a recent accounting by Vietnam vets). Still, the Erik Prince's are not held accountable, and the government continues to value them more than our own soldiers. The leadership stinks.
If the United States would refrain from neverending agression, plunder and war crimes
then we would not need 'Soldiers of Mis-fortune' or any other kind. What a savings!
I have yet to hear anybody question the why of the Falluja incident that resulted in the siege of Falluja and the deaths of many thousands of innocent people. Several Blackwater Security "contractors" were killed and hung from a bridge, resulting in a bloody and shameful and indiscriminate retaliation that cost many many lives. What has not been asked EVER to my knowledge is what did those men to that provoked the action of the crowd? They have always been portrayed as innocent victims of general hatred for Americans...... Can anybody really believe this version...... Does anybody believe that they did not provoke this violent reaction that cost their lives? Crowds.... even Muslim crowds....... do not fly off into a rage for no reason. I recall at the time that most folks thought the men who died were "contractors" in the sense of being brick layers and carpenters and plumbers....... Not contract killers. Mercenaries are subject top summary execution in almost any conflict for obvious reasons. Throughout recent history there have been incidents of mercenaries being held under death sentence as examples and for extortion. When you go to war for "fun and profit", you must consider your life forfeit if you are captured. Mercenary soldiers are and should always be considered "fair game". Those who fight to defend their country or their cause are of a distinctive and different class from those who fight and kill for "fun and profit". Here's hoping for the max sentence...... even if they are "sacrificial lambs"........ It is the only way to force these men to behave according to the rules of civilization...... The others of their ilk need to stand up and pay attention......... They too could go to prison for their crimes as they should!!
Howard
Stone tool, well written.
The Romans it is believed, invented the Crucifiction as a message to rebellious slaves, and mercenaries. In the case of slaves, a slave that killed his/her master would lead all of the other slaves in the masters possession to being executed, in the same manner. The body, unlike the story of Jesus, was not allowed to be removed but was to remain on the cross until it rotted and fell off, then the bones would be collected and ground for the famous Roman concrete. A powerful deterrent I would think.
That these Mercenaries are to be tried in the courts of the nation in which they were recruited is a mockery that the United States may come to regret. These Mercenaries should be tried in the International Court of Justice, and set the example that civilized society will not tolerate their conduct, but will not lower itself to their level and commit either atrocities or mockery of justice.
To try them in the U.S.Courts is truly a mockery of Justice, and much of that has gone on for far too long.
Immunity from prosecution of the Mercenaries and the people who hire them, manage them, and supply them should be out of the equation all together. Not enough is being done in this case so far, but rmember there is no statute of limitations here either. Even of the Supreme Court decides in their favor after the appeal process, the U.S. Supreme Court has no enforcement power. If and when the world decides that they may want these Mercenaries and their "bosses" to stand trial, there is not enough power to stop them.
While I can't disagree with your general feeling, be assured the United States will never give up soverignty to the International Court of Justice. Nor will there be a time in the forseeable future when America could be forced to do anything by the "world"
I'd say the fact that they are being tried in our courts says a lot for us. Do you really believe Russia or China would do the same? They haven't.
A very good point, however would the U.S. not be compelled by its own rhetoric as "world leader" not to assure that the prosecution of International class Laws is handled in International Class courts. To do otherwise would be inviting the distain of those the U.S. is trying to set the example for.
When you ask about Russia or China, are they not the very nations that the U.S. holds its self above with the designation of "world leader"-----
Forest Gump said it well; "Stupid is ,is stupid does " (or words to that effect).
countcoup,
Very good point also. Out of necessity I travel alot and I can assure you that the rhetoric you speak of is not, and has not, been taken very seriously by those outside your national borders. The rhetorical leadership you speak of was really more about the guy with the biggest guns doing most of the talking. That is not leadership, it is extortion! (The way the mob works)
As a nation the United States will eventually come to realize that it is a part of this world and that this world does not belong to the United States. The world is
not your backyard! The good news is I can now see this happining little by little.
I like the United States, I have a home there. When I return I hope to find this nation well on its way to realizing its true potential as a strong and productive member of the world community. I actually belive this will happen. Perhaps not completely in my lifetime but deep down inside I believe the nation is starting its slow journey to becoming the nation many of your citizens thought it already was.
Still an Optimist
Thomas Gilbert
Excellent comment.
Thanks Thomas,
My wife and I have another fifteen months until my contract expires up here in Canada. We paid off the mortgage on our home in Decatur last month and although I am not very religious I find that I am praying daily that no one screws up the country while I am up here in Canada. (LOL) Now you know where my hope resides.(lol) The kids got to have somewhere to come home to.
We'll do our best to keep it from getting screwed up any more.....even perhaps unscrew part of it!
I good point might be made for the fact that since there are no statute of limitations on these International Crimes it may be material for novelists, historians, archivists and scholars for generations to come; the United States, or any other power that holds itself above others publicly, and internationally such as the U.S. often does has the powerful potential for this to "be called up" for "accounting" by some other power.
The U.S. has been a powerful international force for slightly over a century. The fact that the U.S. has been somewhat violent to others, for what later became a losing endeavor is a very obvious point for others to consider. The U.S. has been rather open in its meddling in the affairs of other nations, often even to the point of bragging, almost on a national level. Just one example is the relationship that the U.S. had with Saddam Hussein juxtaposed with the image of the " hangman's noose" being lowered over his head just before his execution.
On a micro level, if you are my friend today, and my enemy tomorrow, what would be the point in trusting you and if you become too threatening, then take you out. Or like the "bully on the block" that no one really likes finally meets a bigger bully, then it may be fun for the rest of us to watch the bully get "whacked".
On the other hand, no culture can resist the "reformed" bully, drunk, thief, liar etc. The U.S. is in control of what they do as a nation, and how others think of them in the same venue.
The imagery of "blood thirsty killer Americans, slaughtering the innocent" goes back to the Vietnam era and actually even to the 19th century with the Native Peoples, and has increased in its repetition. The U.S. society even accepted it in countless movies, songs, and other popular mediums.
The responsibility goes all the way up to the Commander in Chief. Blackwater would never have been hired to go to Iraq, without the U.S. President, CIC, who began a war on very loosely defined information. And the war was in part because the U.S. "feared" what Iraq "might do next". The CIC, Pres. Bush who is well known to have allowed international crimes such as kidnapping, false imprisonment torture, denial of due process, is unfortunately the "decider", and the responsibility could legally be placed upon him and his administration. These were the same crimes that the U.S. stood in judgement of the Nazi, and Japanese and others after WWII. To avoid responsibility now will leave a very frightening message to the world. So it seems that the world now has very clear reason to fear the United States of America.
The record will show very clearly that they went to war for fear that they might be attacked. They loosed a terribly powerful military force, along with ruthless Mercenary forces against what basically was a civilian population. They laid to waste an entire nation and they seem now, to not accept the full responsibility for their actions. That is the perfect description of a "rogue nation" and only the most fool hardy would not fear them.
One thing remains a constant with humanity.
Humanity always destroys that which it fears the most.
You make some cogent arguments and certainly have some validity to your thinking. I would suggest that some of the things you refer to like "saughtering the innocent" native peoples is popular myth. Histoically inaccurate as any credible historian will tell you.
I would also point out that if the world had someting to fear from the United States, they would already have experienced it. If we were the Empire many try to say or a rouge nation, we would rule the world and control many countries.
As to Iraq, there is no defense for what Bush/Cheney and their boys pulled off there, but to attribute it to the whole country I feel is a mistake.
I have read many of your postings and you seem to be a very well informed and intelligent person.I am interested in the " popular myth" referred to and since we are there I would very greatly appreciate a source for research from credible historian(s) you mention.
The sources I have found on the subject are from our local University library, which are now partially available on the Internet.
In Hawaii, the Native People had very little to do with "statehood" and "colonialism". After traveling widely for business reasons trough out the South Asian nations, where they experienced a "different" colonialism than the Americas this has been an area of study of mine for several years after retirement here in Oahu. My wife who passed away last year had a cousin who was married to an American Indian who was related to the Cherokee, Stand Waite. I have studied much of that History through some of his references. They lived in Amsterdam until his death in 1999.
I could not in any meaning of the word attribute what has transpired in Iraq to "the whole country", but only in generalized terms. It is however a truism that when a Nation errs, everyone suffers in the after math of the error and any prices paid are usually paid by the many, and not the few who created the problem.
Would you agree?
As for the ICJ, the Hague is located in a University complex that my former employer used for office space in the 1980s. It was a great place to live and work.
The Europeans learned from their own many mistakes the hard way concerning the affairs of other nations. The Russians are only now beginning to understand the magnitude of their errors in judgement of the past.
Thank you for your kind response.
countcoup
A valid point. Though I'd suggest that even though we lead the world (or have to this point) we do not rule the world. So I'd say no citizen of our country will ever be under the will of an International anything. Look at the UN for a prime example of the reason an International government is light years away. And frankly I think the world is going to be too busy saving their bum's to disdain anyone.
Russia and China are those very nations , among others that would never try their own mercenaries or troops in open court anywhere...or closed court for that matter.
"Stupid is ,is stupid does "
I can only hope you are speaking of Cheney and Bush!
Russia and China do not hire mercenaries to go into other countries to kill civilians.
Leastways not yet. When the time comes then they deserve condemation.
And The United States is not supposed to be Russia and China.
Actually they both have used mercenaries at various times, but nothing to the extent that these idiots have used Blackwater. And as you know both have invaded other countries and killed civilians by the thousands.
And we are not Russia or China as you point out. And thank God for it!
It will be interesting to see if their acquittal will result in a "Rodney King" type backlash in Iraq.
bligh4
Well, the fact these men are being tried and will probably be convicted shows that the system, while far from perfect, will catch up with you if commit atrocities.
Too bad there is no backlash for atrocities committed by the other side.
The Bush administration just keeps on "winning hearts and
minds" with help from Blackwater. Someone help me remember,
why did we go into Iraq?
What a fiasco! These Blackwater goons were hired by the U.S. Government to help with the killing of Iraqi civilians. Daily, American troops do the same thing hence the million or so civilian deaths.
And America is going to try to slightly improve its tarnished image by targeting some private contractors which it employed?
Give me a break, please!
www.dangerouscreation.com