Eric Prince, founder of the private mercenary army Blackwater, noted for its killing of civilians in Iraq, is now lobbying members of Congress to privatize the war in Afghanistan. Price would be the CEO. The private force would include private aircraft.
We do have historical precedent. Before the British government stepped in in 1858, Britain basically ran India with the East India Company, a private company which at one time had an army twice the size of the official British armed forces. Britain finally replaced the Company after it proved to be incompetent.
It would not be a surprise if Congress went along with Prince’s lobbying. Might be cheaper. Might allow atrocities that the U.S. army would never permit. Might bring in more campaign funds. Might make money on Afghan minerals. Might make it easier for the Taliban to recruit even more supporters, but let’s not worry about that.
In an Administration that wants to privatize everything from the Post Office to the National Parks to the public schools, this guy fits right in. Prince is also a brother to Betsy DeVos, which should help his cause.
No comments:
Post a Comment