On Jun 7, 2006, at 7:35 AM, Gerard M Foley wrote: > From: "Alireza Alivandivafa" <democrat2n@xxxxxxx> > Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 1:37 AM > > <snip> >> In fact, it is not only foreign operation that should be >> forbidden, private operation of inherently >governmental things >> should not be allowed. > <snip> > > It is now being suggested that we hire private contractors to fight > wars. Already happening in Iraq. As of 2004, Blackwater Security Consulting had 15,000 personnel in Iraq, which was second only to the 110,000 U.S. troops. Other contractors include Global Risk and Erinys, both of the UK. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-04-01-security-usat_x.htm http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Blackwater_USA That said, the use of mercenaries in war has a long history over many centuries. -- Michael C. Berch mcb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx