Contractor 'command center' recommended in Iraq, sources say

CNN ^ | October 22, 2007 | cnn

[kipita]

A panel recommended to the State Department that the U.S. create a "central command center" to improve coordination among agencies using private security contractors in war zones, senior State Department officials and others familiar with the review told CNN Monday. The panel also recommended a thorough examination of the rules of engagement, especially when using deadly force, the sources said. Led by Assistant Secretary of State Patrick Kennedy, the panel briefed Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Monday on its recommendations. Other members include retired Gen. George Joulwan, Ambassador Stapleton Roy and Ambassador Eric Boswell. Rice said the recommendations "point a very good way forward, and I intend to act on them expeditiously." The panel did not focus on the September 16 incident in which Blackwater USA guards are accused of opening fire in Nusoor Square, an incident Iraqi authorities say killed 17 civilians. The Iraqi government has called Blackwater's actions "premeditated murder" and has called for the company to leave Iraq. Blackwater officials have insisted the guards fired only after they were shot at following a nearby bombing. Don't Miss * Security contractor probe * Iraq: 'Blackwater must go' * Dad: Blackwater blew up my son's and wife's 'skulls' * Blackwater chief: Guards were 'definitely' fired on Following the incident, Rice instructed Kennedy to undertake a complete review of the use of contractors in Iraq. Kennedy immediately proposed initial steps to improve contractor accountability, including more electronic surveillance in convoys and more government-employed diplomatic security guards working alongside contractors, which Rice promptly implemented. The State Department and the FBI are conducting their own investigations into the shootings and a joint U.S.-Iraqi commission is reviewing the results of both probes. The panel reporting to the State Department was

[kipita]

It seems the most important thing when working to support a mission is to have the most qualified people available which everyone at every level respects. The worst thing is to have politically appointed people who very few people respect. As one astute government professional said a few years back, "with the exception of the US military, I think we have our "C" or "D" team working in Iraq."

[kipita]

After thinking a bit, here is what I noticed about government-contractor failure when attempting to achieve an objective.

Of the people who had a strong identity, about 5% were ethical, educated, professional, intelligent, empathetic people and the other 95% were their opposites. However, the majority of people were in the middle. Nonetheless, problems would constantly arise because the “opposites” would influence the majority to be “be just like them”. So illusions were needed to plant in the minds of the majority to prevent the “opposites” from taking control (and I don’t mean to sound biblical, more Democracy vs. Communism).

[stevie_d_64]

Ping to ya!