Free to do as they please

Is the United States planning to privatise its much-opposed war in Iraq? The question may seem strange but it is plausible, looking by the size of private security contractors operating in Iraq. The sheer number of mercenaries - some estimates go as much as 120,000 - suggests the operation is really bigger than just providing protection to VIPs and diplomats.

These security firms operate without the jurisdiction of the Iraqi government, nor is it able to send them home. They are a bunch of arrogant, trigger-happy ex-soldiers who do not follow the rules of most regular armies. Their ruthless tactics have been highlighted following the killing of Iraqi civilians, shot by panicked members of the now-infamous Blackwater security firm. Another report has said Blackwater could be involved in six other violent incidents this year alone.

The Iraqi government wants the company out of the country. Washington does not. But US Federal prosecutors are now investigating whether the firm shipped unlicensed military weapons into Iraq, which suggests the Blackwater "army" is really not a small security firm. It is meant to be an army that, some say, would do the job of the US occupiers once their regular army leaves Iraq.