Latest Threads
Latest
Greatest Threads
Greatest
Lobby
Lobby
Journals
Journals
Search
Search
Options
Options
Help
Help
Login
Login
Home » Discuss » Journals » spindrifter » Read entry Donate to DU
Advertise Liberally! The Liberal Blog Advertising Network
Advertise on more than 70 progressive blogs!
spindrifter's Journal
Posted by spindrifter in General Discussion (1/22-2007 thru 12/14/2010)
Sat Sep 22nd 2007, 06:02 AM
New York Times

By ANDREW E. KRAMER
Published: September 22, 2007

BAGHDAD, Sept. 21 — American diplomats on Friday resumed travel in convoys escorted by Blackwater USA, the private American security contractor, three days after the Iraqi government banned the company following a shooting in which at least eight Iraqis were killed.

It was not clear if the resumption of convoys was a signal of some political compromise between the State Department and the Iraqi government, which had demanded that the United States drop Blackwater as its protector, or whether it simply meant that American officials felt they could not afford to remain grounded. The State Department relies on Blackwater for its security outside the fortified Green Zone.

<snip>

Mirembe Nantongo, a spokeswoman for the American Embassy, said a limited number of diplomats traveled outside the Green Zone on Friday. They were likely to be accompanied by Blackwater guards, she said but declined to give details. “As a general rule, in a limited manner, Blackwater is operating,” she said.

Ms. Nantongo said the decision to resume diplomatic convoy traffic had been taken “in consultation with the Iraqi authorities,” but she would not elaborate on whether the Iraqis had approved the Blackwater escorts, after the din of official Iraqi criticism toward the company earlier this week.

<more>

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/22/world/mi...
Discuss (2 comments) | Recommend (+3 votes)
Profile Information
spindrifter
Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your ignore list
6155 posts
Member since Thu Sep 22nd 2005
Greatest Threads
The ten most recommended threads posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums in the last 24 hours.
Books
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

A picaresque literary adventure in the true sense, set in mid-20th century Barcelona. It is a true ramble and the wind hits you square in the farce.
Visitor Tools
Use the tools below to keep track of updates to this Journal.
 
Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals  |  Campaigns  |  Links  |  Store  |  Donate
About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy
Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.