Rice to boost oversight of contractors in Iraq

Rueters ^ | Oct 10, 2007 | Sue Pleming

[KTM rider]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday ordered tougher oversight of private guards in Iraq, including tighter rules on the use of force, following deadly shootings involving U.S. security contractor Blackwater.

The State Department said other measures included improved training and clearer rules of engagement, better coordination with the U.S. military as well as cultural sensitivity training for guards and more Arabic speakers.

Rice made the move following recommendations by a panel of experts she appointed to look into the work of private security contractors after the September 16 shooting incident in Baghdad that killed at least 17 Iraqis and enraged Iraq's government.

"Our key finding is that prompt measures should be taken to strengthen coordination, oversight and accountability aspects of the State Department's security practices in Iraq in order to reduce the likelihood that future incidents will occur that adversely affect the overall mission in Iraq," said the report by the panel, led by department official Patrick Kennedy.

Iraqis have complained vociferously about the role of private security contractors in Iraq and U.S. lawmakers have accused them of being trigger-happy and not accountable under either U.S. or Iraqi law for their actions.

[KTM rider]

Once again as usual, uncanny how Reuters can stew up so much hyperbole from a paraphrased concept and quote from a panel statement.

Who needs quotes when you own a cartoon balloon

.....and how about that Pat Kennedy ? He's a real qualified expert for sure ! [/sarcasm]

[americanophile]

Who’s Rice?

[taxesareforever]

Who’s going to provide the oversight? Hopefully, Reid and Murtha, in Iraq.

[onedoug]

The Peace With The Palis queen orders "tougher oversight" for rules of engagement in Iraq.

Fine. Just fine.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

I think US forces should use the same ROI as the contractors. Unfortunately, they are trying to defang everyone.

[kipita]

Rice made the move following recommendations by a panel of experts she appointed...

New rules for "leaders" in the US Government. You don't have to know much, you don't have to hire people who work for you to know much, no one will be held accountable for failure and/or mismanagement, anyone who legitimately complains about failure and/or mismanagement will be disciplined and anyone who accepts that failure and mismanagement don't and cannot ever exists will be promoted. When things go bad, hire an expert panel of people who have been disciplined and/or who cannot routinely work with failure and/or mismanagement. A good formula for one big happy family.