Accessibility links
Security Contractors in Iraq Under Scrutiny Private security contractors such as Blackwater USA are under scrutiny for their role in Iraq. The State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security lacks the manpower to protect its officials so it relies on contractors. Contractors operating in Iraq are immune from prosecution.
Special Series

Security Firm Blackwater Under Scrutiny

Civilian deaths draw new attention to the role of Blackwater and other security contractors in Iraq.

Security Contractors in Iraq Under Scrutiny

Heard on Morning Edition

Security Contractors in Iraq Under Scrutiny

Listen
Transcript
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/14556343/14556286" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Private security contractors such as Blackwater USA are under scrutiny for their role in Iraq. The State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security lacks the manpower to protect its officials so it relies on contractors. Contractors operating in Iraq are immune from prosecution. Nathan Hodge, a reporter for Jane's Defence Weekly, speaks with Renee Montagne.