Why Not Call "contractors" what they are: Mercenaries

The British forces are located in the south of Iraq, the former Ottoman province of Basra. According to NPR last Friday, Basra is falling under control of fundamentalist Shiite militias, allied with and supported by Iran, in coalition with the Iraqi administration. That's one reason the area is so "peaceful."

But not peaceful enough. One can't take any pleasure in casualties. But the military and security "contractors" around Iraq are what we should call "Mercenaries." They signed up for a job which involved shooting and killing.

US soldiers talk about "Having a Job to Do." If we are to treat US soldiers as patriots, we have to hope they didn't do it for the money.

Not like the contractor-mercenaries, who are signing up for the money and the thrills.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Britons killed in Basra convoy blast

ABDEL-RAZZAK HAMEED IN BASRA

TWO security contractors were killed when a roadside bomb blew up a British consulate convoy in the southern Iraqi city of Basra yesterday.

A second device aimed at killing and maiming rescuers was detonated five minutes later, seriously injuring two children. They were among a group of locals who had rushed to the aid of the stricken convoy.