Who's laws should Blackwater be accountable to, U.S., Iraq, U.S. military or International laws?

Question

Isn't it always the case that when people feel they are above any laws that lawlessness will prevail?

Answer 1

Good question.

Since they are a private security force employed by the US GOVT, I feel the Military should have jurisdiction.

If they were working for a coalition they should be under international law.

Answer 2

As American citizens they may receive some protection of the US government, but they are not accountable to obey our laws outside our borders. Smoke all the weed you want in Belgium, but don't graffiti a wall in Singapore.
As temporary residents of Iraq they should be accountable to laws of Iraq. Again, don't spray paint a wall in Singapore.
There are many human rights laws and international laws which have jurisdiction across the world, an they could be prosecuted for any of those offenses where ever they are. Nazi criminals are still hunted today.
The US military is the hiring authority so Blackwater should be accountable also be accountable to them. The only authority they don't really report to is the US except the military laws are largely in alignment with US laws.

I personally believe that a mercenary army within our borders is a clear and present danger to the US. They are an army or hire should the highest bidder be a foreign power, or private interest such as a drug cartel, or Muslim fundamentalist group our own citizens would not be safe within our borders. If you don't believe that the individual mercenaries would follow through with an order of this nature, ask yourself how much brainwashing and/or money it would take to convince you that it was for the better good.

Answer 3

Very good question...wish I could give you 2 extra points myself.

My honest opinion? Since Blackwater was contracted for services that are performed in a country where there is undeniable war going on....I feel that they should have been held accountable to Military Law. Since the majority of those who work for Blackwater are ex-military, they would have known the rules and risk. What it appears is that Blackwater is nothing more than Mercenary Soldiers who wanted to fight the war thier way instead of following the rules. They were granted immunity from prosection and given free reign to do whatever they want to do and at this point, you can't go back and change the rules to help those that were murdered.

Answer 4

All of the Above. Iraq first, if they are in Iraq, US Military 2nd if that is who they are working for (although it really is the other way around right now), then US and finally International War Crimes Tribunal.

Answer 5

The Iraqis should rescind the immunity for mercenary soldiers and put them on trial, that is why The USA is there, to help them form a free country based on law.
Or they could rendition them to Saudi Arabia for 200 lashes and some time in a Saudi prison.

Answer 6

They should be held accountable by all. If the U.S. lets them off, then they go to Iraqi law, if Iraq lets them off, then International law should apply. However, they should definately play by all the rules, not just some of them.

Answer 7

good question, and I think scubadog35 is right on the mark on this one.
They were given immunity should cases arise, which do in war zone where they accidently kill civilians, I highly doubt that immunity included wholesale executions of nonthreatening people.

If I were the Iraq President though, it would be my first display of my promise to defend my people. They would be taken into custody until the details were ironed out.

Answer 8

The US and Iraqi Laws both gave them Immunity
So they should be held accountable

Answer 9

An armchair quarterback lib like you quoting the constitution?

And claiming you will defend it?

I needed a good laugh.

To answer your question, I honestly don't know.
When I defended this country, we didn't have private security involved.

Answer 10

Yes, Yes, Yes and YES!