The controversial practice of using private security firms in Iraq has been a an issue the military itself has looked upon with something of a jaundiced eye. The fact is, these security firms have allowed thousands of soldiers to be released from security duty in order to perform more pressing functions - like killing terrorists.But there have been numerous incidents over the years where it appeared on the surface that the contractors - almost all of whom are ex-military - were not bound by the same rules of engagement as the military. This has resulted, critics say, in many civilian casualties and complaints from a number of Iraqis about the undisciplined nature of the contractors.Following an incident with a State Department convoy earlier this week where employees of Blackwater, the top security contracting company in Iraq, shot it out with insurgents in Baghdad and a number of civilians caught in the cross fire were apparently killed and injured, Iraq's Interior Ministry has...(Read Full Post)