In this two part video series, I wanted to put this up for anyone that is interested in hearing the latest arguments ‘for’ or ‘against’ the use of private security contractors throughout the world. Jeremy Schahill is obviously the ‘against’ side of the argument, and David Isenberg is arguing ‘for’.
I have read a ton of stuff from David, and he has been very involved with writing about the industry. With Jeremy, I have skimmed through his book about Blackwater and I have read a couple of his articles. Both of these men are extremely knowledgeable about the industry, although I have caught several mistakes in Jeremy’s book and had it very subjective feel to it. Either way, it was interesting to hear both men give their side of the issue with Mr. Khan moderating.
My summary of the discussion was that I was glad that David brought up his latest Freedom of Information Act materials that he just latched onto, in regards to Blackwater’s WPPS contracts. That in fact, there are plenty of rules governing the WPPS program and to say that Blackwater was out of control or above the law is just not correct. I can also vouch for this with the few companies that I have worked for. I signed my name to many ethics forms and very comprehensive contracts that dictated what I could do or not do. On all of my contracts, I knew what the rules of the use of force were and there was no gray area, which is a common public misperception. I also knew that I fell under the UCMJ, which to me is sufficient for dealing with security contractor community.
The other interesting aspect of this discussion was the mention of the Sudan and using private security companies for UN peace keeping missions. This concept has been a goal of Blackwater for awhile now and it has always interested me when it pops up in conversation out there. I have actually read statements from Hollywood actors, that were in favor of such a thing. I know there are several organizations that have been lobbying the UN and member nations about this concept, and I think it makes sense. But then again, the UN has a hard time with the concept of private security contractors, because they are still hung up on the idea that we are ‘mercenaries’. And meanwhile, the Sudan death machine continues to churn and corrupt member nation peace keeping forces continue to suck the UN dry of funds. What a waste.
So check out the videos, they are not that long, and enjoy. I am sorry if anyone is offended by the concept that was a Al Jazeera video or mentioning Jeremy Scahill. But I think it is important to hear their latest arguments, so you can at least prepare an argument against, if you are ever ambushed by an ‘anti-PSC’ type. And they are out there. That is one of the main reasons for this blog–is to educate those that are blindly listening to the Scahills of the world. –Head Jundi
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The Riz Khan Show – David Isenberg and Jeremy Scahill on Private Security Contractors
Al Jazeera
The US military has used private contractors since the days of the revolutionary war but the scale of their use in Iraq is unprecedented. Riz hosts Navy veteran David Isenberg along with award winning journalist Jeremy Scahill to discuss the role played by private armies in Iraq.