[TimoPizaz]

okay, let’s try again.

washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines

this is a very powerful, saddening, and infuriating story about the blackwater shooting incident in iraq several days ago. it differs from most in that it actually talks about the victims, which is why i think it’s worth reading, and also worth finding out what supporters of the war have to say in response to it.

Thank you for creating a more tactful thread. As promised, I'll try to be involved.

IMO, Blackwater (and possibly all similar contractors) need to be put through a rigorous and public investigation as soon as the man-power is available. I feel uncomfortable with their role in Iraq to begin with, though it's likely unavoidable. Given the rising number of accusations and general lack of trust, some serious house-cleaning might help to restore some confidence (both in the US and Iraq), clear out the worst offenders, and put most contractors on notice that they'll be held accountable in the future.
Even if all the accusations prove faulty (which is unlikely at this point, IMO) at this point, the public trust benefits make a thorough, open investigation worth-while.