U.S. to hire 11,500 to guard Iraqi oil pipeline

World Tribune ^ | 8/20/03

[truthandlife]

The United States has launched a new effort to protect Iraq's oil sector from sabotage.

U.S. officials said the Coalition Provisional Authority plans to deploy 11,500 guards to protect the Iraqi oil pipeline to Turkey. The 1,000-kilometer Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline has been repeatedly sabotaged by forces loyal to deposed President Saddam Hussein.

So far, about 5,000 Iraq security guards have been deployed around the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said the CPA will hire another 6,500 Iraqi guards.

Over the weekend, the pipeline came under two attacks that suspended operations. Officials said repairs of the pipeline could take weeks.

[RightWhale]

That comes out to about 1 man per half mile, running shifts and everything. It's going to be tough to cover the entire route at night unless they can use some technology.

[norraad]

About 16 years ago I read about robotic pipeline guards, whatever happened to that system?

[marron]

Well worth it. Later, they can be folded into the Iraqi constabulary.

[gov_bean_ counter]

How about, "shoot it if it moves"?

[Sangamon Kid]

One good bribe and the plan fails.

[marron]

That comes out to about 1 man per half mile,

Of course, they don't have to defend the Turkish portion, which is most of it. Just the Iraqi portion, most of which is in Kurdish territory. This force, combined with the Kurdish militia, should be able to do it. Or maybe this is just a way of getting the Kurdish militia on an official payroll, what do you think?

[Flyer]

How about, "shoot it if it moves"?

Yes, this is one time I would approve of 'Zero Tolerance'.

[RightWhale]

Iraq could increase their security level simply by handing out cellphones to everyone. Setting up that system is probably happening now, but there is a lot to do to get the country functional and modern: it's going to take some time and $$$$.

[buwaya]

Bingo. The Kurds would be just the thing for this job.

[Flavius]

whos going to watch the watchers

[rageaholic]

Ha, try finding 11,500 reliable people in any country. But Arabs??