Randy J. Ray's Journal

This Could Get Awkward
Iraq expels American security firm

Blackwater USA is not just a simple private security firm. It was co-founded by a pair of far-right religious former Navy SEALs. The two have major Republican ties, and have enjoyed no-bid contracts in Iraq, Afghanistan and New Orleans. Sourcewatch.org has more about them. Google will turn up plenty, too.

One very telling passage in the story:

But it was clear that the U.S. hoped the Iraqis would be satisfied with an investigation, a finding of responsibility and compensation to the victims' families — and not insist on expelling a company that the Americans cannot operate here without.

Apparently even our own diplomats rely on Blackwater for security. If the Iraqi government does in fact order them to leave, it could get sticky, to say the least.

Edit: Larry Johnson, who has cred, points out that they probably don't have or need a "license" anyway...