BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraq's Interior Ministry has revoked the license of Blackwater USA, an American security firm whose contractors are blamed for a Sunday gunbattle in Baghdad that left eight civilians dead. The U.S. State Department said it plans to investigate what it calls a "terrible incident."
This might be an interesting development to keep an eye on. There are as many U.S. mercenaries operating in Iraq as there are actual troops, at much higher pay (thank you, taxpayers) and far less oversight, i.e. no rules of engagement and almost no chance of prosecution for misdeeds.
It remains to be deen if Bush will allow this blow to Blackwater's bottom line to stand. Iraq is their main source of employment and income and this will hurt 'em. No loss as far as I'm concerned.
My solution? Draft every last one of those mercenary sonsabitches and let 'em operate under the UCMJ at GI pay. We'll see how many of 'em are truly dedicated individuals. If they don't want to serve under those conditions, just disarm 'em and drop 'em off at a bus station in Anbar or Diyala.
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