We're Going to Be in Iraq for 50+ Years?

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Originally Posted by Watchman

Anyway, the word you're looking for is AFAIK "neo-colonialism" - and these days it's really more a private sector business that makes use of state-level institutions than a "national" project. The US is IMO so deeply involved more because it is the single biggest mover and shaker around at the moment and because its political decision-making is to a considerable degree subordinate to private interests, not really because of imperial aspirations. Not that it didn't have those, but they seem to be playing a second fiddle in to the private-sector interests in this regard.

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~:thumb:

I tip my hat too you watchman, nice post.

US companies definetly have world wide asperations and would love to take over the world if thats what you mean :laugh4:

Hey, anything for the almighty Bottom Line. That's what businesses are all about really, isn't it ?

At least these days they (usually) don't have their private states and armies in the fashion of the old British East India Company.

Heh. not true. Just look at Blackwater. Hell, they have a fleet of attack helicopters for chrissakes.

Not to mention their private armies in Iraq.

Note the caveat "usually". Still the main burden of "policing" the place is on the regular national forces isn't it ? But I'll give you these modern condottieri firms are a little peculiar.

actualy Blackwater accounts for the second-largest contingent of forces in Iraq after the U.S. Thats right, more troops than Britain.

Given how many troops the US has, and how few the Brits in comparision, that's not terribly informative by itself. And aren't the Blackwater guys more "paramilitary security" than "proper" combat troops anyway ?

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And aren't the Blackwater guys more "paramilitary security" than "proper" combat troops anyway ?

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Of course. Their there to protect the companies interests . But it still resembles an army :laugh4:

False. Blackwater are actively engaged in offensive combat and cannot be classified as paramilitary security only.
Google or youtube. There's a HUGELY famous video of Blackwater operators, which I already posted here some months ago.

Yep. blackwater conducts its own operations aside from "security". Plus, the DOD doesn't count Blackwater (or other mercenary) injuries or deaths in its KIA/WIA counts. The numbers are significantly higher.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqM4tKPDlR8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJUEULWEP9c

Those videos fall into the purview of our current staff discussion on what is allowable in depictions of death on a gaming site.

Consequently, I'm temporarily locking the thread pending the outcome of our deliberations.

Thank you for your patience.

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