BUSINESS WIRE– Congressman Ron Paul today released the following statement on President Obama’s speech from the Oval Office last night: “Once again, we are being told the mission has been accomplished and our brave men and women are coming back home. Though the people are hopeful they remain skeptical, and rightfully so.” “The President’s announcement that all U.S. combat troops … Read More
iraq
250,000 “Contractors” Remain in Iraq and Afghan Wars
Gallery
REBEL REPORTS– A couple of years ago, Blackwater executive Joseph Schmitz seemed to see asilver lining for mercenary companies with the prospect of US forces being withdrawn or reduced in Iraq. “There is a scenario where we could as a government, the United States, could pull back the military footprint,” Schmitz said. “And there would then be more of a … Read More
US to Rely on Private Military Contractors in Iraq
Gallery
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD– The US State Department is to more than double the number of security contractors it employs in Iraq to around 7000, filling a gap left by departing troops, the New York Times reported on Thursday. The newspaper said the contractors would be deployed to defend five fortified compounds that will be left behind as US combat forces … Read More
US Wants Iraq to Pay Bill for War Victims
Gallery
WASHINGTON POST– Off a dusty street flanked by piles of rubble and bombed-out car skeletons, the Saleh family is rebuilding their home with American aid money they got because three family members were accidentally killed in crossfire between U.S. forces and insurgents. In another neighborhood of the battleground city of Ramadi, a new boat motor and fishing nets are tucked … Read More
End of Iraq Combat Operations or Rebranding the Occupation?
Gallery
DEMOCRACY NOW– RUSH TRANSCRIPT AMY GOODMAN: President Obama said Monday the US military is on target to withdraw all its combat troops from Iraq by the end of this month. Speaking before the Disabled American Veterans national convention in Atlanta, the President pledged the American presence in Iraq would soon transform from a primarily military to a diplomatic one. PRESIDENT … Read More