Checkbook Imperialism: The Blackwater Fiasco

Robert Scheer / Truthdig Sep 18, 2007 The latest Blackwater USA scandal, in which privately contracted American security troops gunned down innocent bystanders in Baghdad, might cause the Iraqi government to finally give firms like Blackwater their marching orders -- if only it could command the power to order these mercenary operations out of the country. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Iraq to Scrutinize Private Security Firms

Staff / Truthdig Sep 18, 2007 The Iraqi government is taking a close look at all private security firms still involved in the ongoing conflict there following Sunday's shootout in Baghdad, after which several contractors from Blackwater USA were accused of killing innocent bystanders while guarding U.S. officials. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Scahill on the Blackwater Backlash

Staff / Truthdig Sep 18, 2007 "Blackwater" author Jeremy Scahill sounds off on the security firm's recent rampage and the impunity of America's private militias. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Iraq Bans Blackwater, Launches Investigation

Staff / Truthdig Sep 17, 2007 The Iraqi government has ordered employees of the North Carolina-based security firm Blackwater USA to leave the country and is opening a criminal investigation following Sunday's deadly shootout in Baghdad, during which a group of Blackwater contractors escorting a convoy of U.S. officials opened fire on nearby civilians. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Blackwater Opens Fire in Baghdad

Staff / Truthdig May 29, 2007 Security contractor Blackwater USA was involved in two shootings in Baghdad last week. After firing on and killing an Iraqi driver, Blackwater guards found themselves in a standoff with heavily armed Iraqi Interior Ministry forces. A senior U.S. adviser said Iraq-American relations at the ministry have suffered greatly since the incident. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Jeremy Scahill on Soldiers of Fortune

Staff / Truthdig Mar 30, 2007 The writer speaks with Truthdig about his new book, "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army," privatization in America and abroad, and our dysfunctional democracy. Dig deeper ( 17 Min. Read )

Oversight Hearing Reveals Contractor Abuses

Staff / Truthdig Feb 8, 2007 Last year, the Army vehemently denied allegations that Halliburton had hired Blackwater, another private contractor, to provide security in Iraq, but in a hearing before the House Government Oversight Committee on Wednesday, the military reversed itself. The committee also made public an e-mail from a Blackwater employee who frantically demanded that the firm properly equip its guards, four of whom were killed hours after the message was written. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Chris Hedges: America’s Holy Warriors

Chris Hedges / Truthdig Jan 1, 2007 The former New York Times Mideast Bureau chief warns that the radical Christian right is coming dangerously close to its goal of co-opting the country's military and law enforcement. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )