Iraq Considers Expelling Security Firms

Private security firms have never been popular in Iraq, but after Blackwater USA’s fatal shooting of civilians Sunday, national rage may be strong enough to drive them from the country. The Iraqi government announced today that it would review the status of all private security companies, and explore rescinding a law exempting them from Iraqi prosecution, the AP reports.

That law was passed before Iraq regained sovereignty in 2004. Iraq yesterday barred Blackwater from operating in the country, and is considering bringing charges against the shooters. Blackwater denies wrongdoing, and the US is hoping to keep the company in Iraq. Muqtada al-Sadr today issued a statement calling for the annulment of all foreign security contracts. (More Iraq stories.)