05 Apr 08 State Department to renew Blackwater contract

In “Are you kidding me news,” yes, the U.S. State Department will renew its contract with embattled mercenaries, er, security contractors, Blackwater.

Blackwater said its employees were returning fire after coming under attack from armed insurgents, but an Iraqi investigation called the killings “premeditated murder.”

Starr said the U.S. government, in particular U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, will take a close look at the FBI’s investigation report and then “decide whether it is consistent with U.S. goals and policies to continue the contract.”

He said it will be important to see whether the FBI finds Blackwater itself criminally responsible, or merely a few of its employees.

“We can terminate contracts for the convenience of the government if we have to,” he said. “I am not going to prejudge what the FBI is going to find in its investigation. It’s complex. I think the U.S. government needs protective services.”

Honestly, is this really the way to go? Winning the hearts and minds, by any means necessary.

I can almost hear Condi a six months from now say: “Well, it seemed like the best idea at the time. We couldn’t have known these wild, greedy, accountable to no one mercenaries would kill more civilians. It’s not like this has happened already…oh wait, never mind. Sorry.”

Hat tip: Heather

Tags: Blackwater, Iraq War, news