Guns for hire in Iraq
| 15:20 UK time, Thursday, 2 August 2007
Thanks to Madeleine and Anu for covering for me over the past couple of days. I've come back to lots of requests for the Daily Email, so to all of you newcomers, thanks for signing up and please keep the regulars on their toes.
Here are today's topics...
HOW AMERICA HIRES HELP IN IRAQ - BUT WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
Jeremy Scahill is an American journalist who has written a book about a firm called Blackwater which provides military personnel, equipment and strategic expertise to the American military in Iraq. It also helps plenty of other countries meet their military needs. The tone of his book suggests he's unsure about the boom in private military companies that's come since President Bush came to power. Others would argue, the private sector assists Western governments with just about everything - so why not the military? Anna's written about this already.
And why aren't I using the word 'mercenary'? It's because the people involved in these firms deny that that is what they are. You can be the judge of that after the show.
Jeremy Scahill will be taking your questions. You can leave them here.
MINNEAPOLIS
I'm just watching showing the moment that the bridge in Minneapolis collapsed. It's shocking. We'll be trying to speak to people in the city who were there or have been affected. If you've any experiences or comments you want to share, please do.
ZIMBABWE... AGAIN
This story will not go away, and nor does your desire to talk about and hear about what is happening in Zimbabwe. After a number of detailed reports in the UK press, we're going to try and speak to some of the foreign correspondents who are reporting there. You're welcome to ask them a question.
SCOUTS, DO YOUR BEST
Or is that cubs? I forget. What I do know is that we're broadcasting from the 2007 Scout Jamboree tomorrow. I was a Sea Scout once so I expect to be greeted like a long-lost brother. We're handing the show over to the scouts so if you'd like to speak to them or suggest what they should talk about, now is the time to tell them
Post here:
ALI'S GOING ON HOLIDAY BUT STILL YOU DISCUSS HIS VIEW OF ISLAM
You know a post is popular when the person who started it has to leave a message saying he's going on holiday so won't be able to contribute to the discussion for a few days. Don't let that stop you getting involved.
SHOULD WE TALK ABOUT THE 9/11 CONSPIRACIES?
We think enough of you have made a case for us to do this. It's likely to make the show some time next week. In the mean time, you're welcome to leave your thoughts.
Speak to you later.
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