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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Politics Our Man in Iraq

Posted by Eli Sanders on Tue, Aug 4, 2009 at 2:52 PM

An explosive scoop over at The Nation, which reports that the owner of Blackwater, the private security firm that used to do a lot of work for the U.S. government in Iraq, is being implicated in murders. The charge comes from two men who have submitted affidavits as part of a Virginia lawsuit against Erik Prince, the Blackwater owner, and his company:

The two men claim that the company's owner, Erik Prince, may have murdered or facilitated the murder of individuals who were cooperating with federal authorities investigating the company. The former employee also alleges that Prince "views himself as a Christian crusader tasked with eliminating Muslims and the Islamic faith from the globe," and that Prince's companies "encouraged and rewarded the destruction of Iraqi life."

In their testimony, both men also allege that Blackwater was smuggling weapons into Iraq. One of the men alleges that Prince turned a profit by transporting "illegal" or "unlawful" weapons into the country on Prince's private planes. They also charge that Prince and other Blackwater executives destroyed incriminating videos, emails and other documents and have intentionally deceived the US State Department and other federal agencies. The identities of the two individuals were sealed out of concerns for their safety.

Comments (15) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment

What!?!? An unethical mercenary? Get out!

At least we can tell the good guys from the bad guys, right?

This is one of those scandals that will lead straight to the top, which means it will be squashed soon.

Posted by Sir Vic on August 4, 2009 at 3:08 PM

Dollars to doughnuts Erik Prince has ties to the Family.

Posted by rob!

on August 4, 2009 at 3:26 PM

Do these guys really want to start shit with a guy that murdered the last people who tried to put him under investigation? This guy has a huge army of mercenaries that specialize in circumventing the rules of engagement and international law. I am sure a "thorough" investigation is on its way.

Posted by Reg on August 4, 2009 at 3:36 PM

This sort of explains why Bush and Cheney picked them.

Posted by Renton Mike on August 4, 2009 at 3:40 PM

I think Bill Maher was spot-on when he said he was a real world version of a Bond villian.

Posted by The Amazing Jim

on August 4, 2009 at 3:41 PM

Didn't Blackwater blow away some American citizens during Katrina as well?

Posted by slaggy

on August 4, 2009 at 3:41 PM

There's nobody in the USA who I'd to see subjected to a humiliating trial and lifelong imprisonment more than Erik Prince. There's no company in the USA I'd like to see bankrupted and dissolved — and turned into a universally recognized synonym for corruption — more than Blackwater/Xe.

So I really really hope these allegations can be proven in court. But I won't be holding my breath, since our legal elites seem to think that "putting the past behind us so we can move forward" is more important than justice.

Posted by john t on August 4, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Where’s Angela Lansbury when you need her?

Posted by Original Andrew on August 4, 2009 at 4:04 PM

“We’re doing everything we can to obstruct and cover up Blackwater’s crimes against the people of Iraq and the United States,” John Roth, the spokesperson for the US Attorney’s office in the District of Columbia, continued “so it’s not likely that you’ll ever read about this again, and there certainly won’t be any major media coverage or convictions. Did you know that Jon & Kate is back on tonight?

Posted by Original Andrew on August 4, 2009 at 4:05 PM

@2 You know, that was my first thought too. I wouldn't be at all surprised.

Posted by Hernandez

on August 4, 2009 at 4:09 PM

Can't somebody just murder him back?

Posted by levide on August 4, 2009 at 4:10 PM

Not Guilty By Reason of Rich Republicanism.

Posted by Original Andrew on August 4, 2009 at 4:13 PM

@11: LO fucking L

Erik Prince is probably one of the most dangerous human beings on the planet not in charge of a nuclear arsenal (at least I pray to God he isn't). Christofascists like him have wormed their way deep into our military, government and big business and have a growing following in congregations all over the country. They are becoming less and less hesitant to openly discuss their goal of turning the US into a theocracy.

I'm not talking about Christians, here. This is about a growing movement within Christianity akin to (and a mirror image of) global Islamic extremism. Prince is a good candidate to lead his Christofascist army in open rebellion against the US government some day, so I'd really appreciate it if he could be put away for a long, long time on a legitimate charge like this.

Posted by beernotwar on August 4, 2009 at 4:38 PM

Didn't they make this into a movie? "Iron Man," I think it was called.

Posted by bearseatbeats on August 4, 2009 at 5:49 PM

We have seen evil, and we have paid it a screaming shitload of money to disgrace our national image. Unfortuantaly, #1 is spot on.

"This is one of those scandals that will lead straight to the top, which means it will be squashed soon. "

Posted by Parsnip