Steroids, drink and paranoia: the murky world of the private security contractor

[kpete]

Steroids, drink and paranoia: the murky world of the private security contractor
Terri Judd on the guns for hire fighting for business in Iraq and Afghanistan
Tuesday, 1 September 2009

Paranoid, competitive and fuelled by guns, alcohol and steroids. That is how one senior contractor in Baghdad describes the private security industry operating in the city's Green Zone.

It was the world to which Danny Fitzsimons, a 29-year-old former soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and paranoia, and with an extensive criminal past, returned three weeks ago.

Despite rules against alcohol, his ArmorGroup colleagues welcomed him with a drinking session. A fight broke out and he shot and killed two of them – a Briton, Paul McGuigan, and an Australian, Darren Hoare – then wounded an Iraqi, Arkhan Mahdi. He faces a premeditated murder charge and execution if found guilty.

....................

"We are loathed out here. We are the single most hated entity in Iraq," said Ethan Madison, a security contractor who has worked in Baghdad for five years. "They are going to hang him if he is found guilty. The Iraqis are desperate to put their foot down and make an example, say this is our country and we make the rules."

more:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/steroids-drink-and-paranoia-the-murky-world-of-the-private-security-contractor-1779885.html

[Morning Dew]

1. is there a link for this kpete? It looks like a good read.

[kpete]

3. thanks

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/steroids-drink-and-paranoia-the-murky-world-of-the-private-security-contractor-1779885.html

I need help in the a.m., peace, kp

[Morning Dew]

4. Thanks. Good article.

These people act surprised that the Iraqis don't want private contractors running around like cowboys.

[leveymg]

2. What about the pols and bosses who created this business of death for profit?

When are they going to be brought to justice?