Mercenaries

Kos has an excellent analysis of the for-hire security forces in Iraq raking in the cash in the very dangerous work there. It is a strange, surreal world; the world of the modern mercenary. Some of these guys fired upon US Marines and were detained because of it, to their surprise.

Kos points out how much the Marines [and other US foreces] hate these guys. Partially because of their excessive pay scales, but mostly because they are indistinguishable to average Iraqis, and their often-reckless behaviour comes at a PR cost for legit soldiers there.

It is a strange world, the private soldier gone back into battle. Consider the case of Jack Idema, convicted in Afghanistan for his illegal private torture-cell for hunting down Taliban and al-Queda fighters.

Also, for the most illuminating story on Private Contractors in Iraq and those who benefit from the War on Terror, please listen to the rebroadcast of the vitally interesting This American Life story entitled: "I'm from the Private Sector and I'm Here to Help." Listen to a Real Player stream here or a "special uncut version" of the story here; or read the pdf transcript here. It is fascinating.