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Iraq
US bans diplomatic ground movements in Iraq outside Green Zone
2007-09-19
The United States suspended all land travel by US diplomats and other civilian officials in Iraq outside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, amid mounting public outrage over the alleged killing of civilians by the US Embassy's security provider Blackwater USA.
Tuesday's move came even as the Iraqi government appeared to back down from statements Monday that it had permanently revoked Blackwater's license and would order its 1,000 personnel to leave the country.
Tuesday's move came even as the Iraqi government appeared to back down from statements Monday that it had permanently revoked Blackwater's license and would order its 1,000 personnel to leave the country - depriving American diplomats of security protection essential to operating in Baghdad. "We are not intending to stop them and revoke their license indefinitely but we do need them to respect the law and the regulation here in Iraq," government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told CNN.

The US order confines most American officials to a 9-square kilometer (3.5 sq. mile) area in the center of the city, meaning they cannot visit US-funded construction sites or Iraqi officials elsewhere in the country except by helicopter. The notice did not say when the suspension would expire.
Posted by:Fred

#7  While I don't know what really happened in THIS instance (or others, for that matter), it is very clear that it is a perfect psyops opportunity for our enemy, and we know they are good at psyops (helps to have the media on your side.) If I was AQ I would set some guys up with American arms, trigger an ambush, and then start shooting the heck out of surrounding civilians. I'd do it every chance I got. I note too that one of the surviving Iraqi victims is a lawyer who had already filed suit in a previous incident. We have ambulance chasers, they have convoy chasers.
Posted by: Glenmore   2007-09-19 19:13  

#6  Whack Mucty al-Sadr now. Please?
Posted by: mojo   2007-09-19 10:38  

#5  Hmmmmmmmm. It appears Blackwater has them by their proverbial balls...
Posted by: tu3031   2007-09-19 10:06  

#4  Funny how there is a persistent failure of outrage, mounting or otherwise, at the sawing off of people's heads and so forth.
Posted by: Excalibur   2007-09-19 09:29  

#3  Hear, hear TW!!!
Posted by: gromgoru   2007-09-19 09:27  

#2  If the non-military of not only the U.S. but all non-Iraqis are effectively confined to the Green Zone, they can spend all their time conferencing with Mr. Maliki and members of parliament about how to change the situation. In the meantime, the Military have a Surge to win.
Posted by: trailing wife   2007-09-19 07:12  

#1  That's one way to blunt the Surge, cripple the US civil functions in Iraq &/or divert the US military to protect its civilian officials. A cunning plan, indeed, O Mullahs...
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418   2007-09-19 00:38  

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