Iraq Orders Blackwater USA Contractors Out

Move Sparks Surge In State Department Diplomacy; U.S. Restricts Land Travel Outside Green Zone

(CBS/AP)  The United States on Tuesday suspended all land travel by U.S. diplomats and other civilian officials in Iraq outside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, amid mounting public outrage over the alleged killing of civilians by the U.S. Embassy's security provider Blackwater USA.

The move came even as the Iraqi government appeared to back down from statements Monday that it had permanently revoked Blackwater's license and would order its 1,000 personnel to leave the country - depriving American diplomats of security protection essential to operating in Baghdad.

"We are not intending to stop them and revoke their license indefinitely but we do need them to respect the law and the regulation here in Iraq," government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told CNN.

The U.S. order confines most American officials to a 3.5 sq. mile area in the center of the city, meaning they cannot visit U.S.-funded construction sites or Iraqi officials elsewhere in the country except by helicopter. The notice did not say when the suspension would expire.

The Iraqi Cabinet decided Tuesday to review the status of all foreign security companies. Still, it was unclear how the dispute would play out, given the government's need to appear resolute in defending national sovereignty while maintaining its relationship with Washington at a time when U.S. public support for the mission is faltering.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki looked to gain political capital from the move against unpopular foreign security contractors. His government said Tuesday it would review the status of all foreign security firms working in the country.

Meanwhile, radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who wields tremendous influence among regular Iraqis and many politicians despite his militia being one of the most feared in Iraq, called for a ban on all the companies of "the occupiers."

The State Department moved quickly to tamp down anger and possible repercussions after the alleged killings.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice telephoned Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday to express regret at the loss of life and promise that the results of an internal investigation into Sunday's incident would be shared with the government in Baghdad.

"She told the prime minister that we were investigating this incident and wanted to gain a full understanding of what happened," said deputy State Department spokesman Tom Casey. "She reiterated that the United States does everything it can to avoid such loss of life, in contrast to the enemies of the Iraqi people who deliberately target civilians."

Rice and al-Maliki "agreed on the importance of working closely together in the time ahead on a transparent investigation," Casey added.

Yassin Majid, an adviser to Iraq's prime minister, made no mention of the order to expel Blackwater, and it was unlikely the United States would agree to abandon a security company that plays such a critical role in American operations in Iraq.

If carried out, the order would deal a severe blow to U.S. government operations in Iraq by stripping diplomats, engineers, reconstruction officials and others of their security protection and the decision by al-Maliki's government was widely welcomed by Iraqis and likely to give the Shiite leader a political boost.

Also exploiting public rage over the killings of what police said were 11 civilians by Blackwater guards, anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr demanded that the government ban all 48,000 foreign security contractors.

Al-Sadr's office in Najaf said the government should nullify contracts of all foreign security companies, branding them "criminal and intelligence firms."

"This aggression would not have happened had it not been for the presence of the occupiers who brought these companies, most of whose members are criminals and ex-convicts in American and Western prisons," the firebrand cleric said in a statement.

Al-Sadr insisted that the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki prosecute those involved and ensure that families of the victims receive compensation.

There was no threat by al-Sadr to unleash his Mahdi Army militia in retaliation for the killings.

However, his statement was significant because it signaled al-Sadr's intention to stir up anti-American sentiment in the wake of the weekend shootings and further undermine al-Maliki's U.S.-backed government.

[glossypan]

Another indication that not only our decision to occupy Iraq, but our methodology for occupying Iraq is absurd. Contract details are secret but the American taxpayer provides a Blackwater security guard with better housing, better food and a salary four times as large as an enlistees. It must be assumed that Blackwater and the other private contractors, notably AEGIS, a British company widely known for its predilection for target practice at Iraqi homes and vehicles {their employees posted videos on the net) , are feeding at the same "take all you want" trough as Halliburton.

[eggy1620]

This is the perfect opportunity for the Bush administration to make a definitive statement about the US presence in Iraq. Either the Iraqi government is truly sovereign and can legally expel that company and the US government will honor that decision; or the Iraqi government is a sham and Iraq is for all practical purposes, an out of control colony of the US.

[drummer94]

"Private contractors" That always cracks me up. Can you say mercenaries? Kinda like "search and destroy" went to "sweep and clear". And Maliki is looking to gain "political capital". Now where have we heard that before?

[gkc99]

""We see the security firms ... doing whatever they want in the streets. They (the security firms'' personnel) beat citizens and scorn them," Baghdad resident Halim Mashkoor told AP Television News. "I ask one question: If such a thing happened in America or Britain, would the American president or American citizens accept it?"


The American citizens would have to accept it because the American president ordered it when he declared himself president for life and formally suspended the Constitution under the secret emergency law passed by an a$$-kissing Repugniscum Congress. Once you pass a law giving unlimited power to a tyrant, you never get it back.

[antoniof123]

It is really getting out of control. If the Republican Senators don''t put this administration on a very short leash in fact maybe remove from office both the President and Vice President the Republican may never again see a Republican President or majority again. In fact they may go the way of the wigs. This group is representing you that is why I left you morons.

[crater7]

RICE, REGRET LOSS OF LIFE, PROMISED TO SHARE RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION;

JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE FAILED WORLDS GREATEST MILITARY BLUNDER, BY THIS ADMINISTRATION.

RICE, IS PART OF THE CORRUPT DUBYA ADMINISTRATION, THAT GAVE THESE RAMBO, SUPER-TROOPERS, THE LICENSE
TO KILL. SHOOT FIRST DON''T ASK QUESTONS.

STAY THE COURSE........

[toldyouso21]

What kind of government hires mercenaries to visibly manage ANY part of an occupation? Even the word mercenary has a dirty connotation and reputation. It means someone who kills for money and since money is a mercenaries God--they are notorious for changing sides and killing with impunity--if the price is right. No self respecting government would ever hire mercenaries--but regimes like Idi Amin''s, Stalin, Papa Doc et al., sure would.

Mercenaries says more than enough about the legitimacy of our occupation and our motives. From General BetrayUs to dignitaries, our low paid soldiers arenot good enough to protect them--they want the corporate hired guns--that can do anything to anyone...for a price.

[citizenusa-2009]

A case of the tail wagging the dog. After WE SPILLED THE BLOOD OF OUR TROOPS SO THEY COULD HAVE "FREEDOM" they are now calling the shots. Seems to me that if they feel confident to "order people out", they can handle the rest of this war on their own. How bout it?

[Hybdiesel]

How can anyone ever vote republican again? If I live another 50 years I swear they will never get my vote again.

[aaabee-2009]

This is frightening.

Where, under the bylaws of the democracy we are spreading in Iraq, does it tell how much disrespect "contractors" are allowed to use on the citizens of the country they are helping occupy?

What are these "contractors" doing, practicing over there so they can come home and do it for real in the US? Are these "contractors" going to forget their power when Iraq is neatly democratized at last and these jerks return to our shores?

It is too bad there is no backbone to Iraq. Ordering Blackwater out of their country is exactly the right thing to do. But they won''t stick to it, they''ll back down and listen to the soothing lies, just like we do here at home.

Does anyone really believe we are over there to liberate citizens when they are treated like this?
The culmination of this part of Bush''s War will not be US gas tanks filled with Iraqi refined oil, it will be US gas tanks filled with Iraqi blood.

[ioweign]

The name of this company fits it "services".

[loublain]

These mercs i.e. Blackwater were the best and the toughest guys our services had. They just got tired of low pay and the bizarre workings of the UCMJ and the rules of engagement. If you are being a political pawn anyway at least be able to shoot back.
Labeling these guys street thugs ignores the fact that THEY protect the most sensitive sites and personnel not our undertrained overstreched ctive duty and guard. That''s why we use them. (little secret) they even protect certain Iraqi pols who want it.

[grumpas]

This whole war reeks to the heavens! And it hasn''t improved any over the years! It''s built on greed, corruption and arrogance! What ever possessed the Bush administration to start hiring private mercenaries in the first place? These people are costing the taxpayer a fortune. I resent my taxes being wasted to pay a bunch of thugs out to make an easy buck at someone else''s expense! That''s about all Blackwater is. A bunch of unruly thugs who just got caught. They need to be tried in an Iraqi court too!

[ioweign]

How can anyone ever vote republican again? If I live another 50 years I swear they will never get my vote again.

Posted by zolefart at 09:16 AM : Sep 18, 2007

My neighbors have made similiar remarks to me.
I stopped voting Republican after Watergate.

[barbaraf4]

Blackwater is an arm of Haliburton. Need I say more?

[grazinggoat]

CBS News: ''American officials refused to explain the legal authority under which Blackwater operates in Iraq or say whether the company was complying with the order. It also was unclear whether the contractors involved in the shooting were still in Iraq.

Despite threats of prosecution, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told Alhurra television that contractors cannot be prosecuted by Iraqi courts because "some of them have immunity." ''

- It''s obvious that Iraqis have apologists too. Ali al-Dabbagh looks to be one extreme type of an azz-kisser. Is he declaring this because he''s under pressure or is it because he''s an accomplice? What the difference between those bandits who involved into the deliberate civilians'' shooting and the previous Saddam Hussein''s ''death squads'' who did the same thing and for which we''ve punished him by death penalty?

And you expect Iraqis to love us with all those blunders? Way to go Walking-Liar, Way to go Condom Rice for these beautiful foreign policies.

[omega39-2009]

Oh well, Bush will find them plenty of work in the states..


In an hourlong conversation I had with four Blackwater men, they characterized their work in New Orleans as "securing neighborhoods" and "confronting criminals." They all carried automatic assault weapons and had guns strapped to their legs. Their flak jackets were covered with pouches for extra ammunition.

When asked what authority they were operating under, one guy said, "We''re on contract with the Department of Homeland Security." Then, pointing to one of his comrades, he said, "He was even deputized by the governor of the state of Louisiana. We can make arrests and use lethal force if we deem it necessary." The man then held up the gold Louisiana law enforcement badge he wore around his neck. Blackwater spokesperson Anne Duke also said the company has a letter from Louisiana officials authorizing its forces to carry loaded weapons.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051010/scahill

[gunownerdan]

Private mercenary armies like Blackwater may one day be used to disarm the American people if guns are banned because surely no soldier for the US military would disobey the oath they each took to protect and defend the Constitution.

[zykracosmos]

This says it all: "...and not insist on expelling a company that the Americans cannot operate here without." As Alan Greenspan revealed recently, "everybody knows this war is about oil." Your tax dollars are paying a mercenary force to protect Halliburton and Exxon''s interests in Iraq, while tired marines and national guard volunteers are getting killed in a Russian roulette of car bombs and snipers. Blackwater mercenaries get paid top dollar and get any equipment they want, because they protect the bigshots. Our volunteer soldiers, who were trained to be an attack force, are commanded to drive around as peacekeeping targets, something they were never trained to do, for very little pay and with NO WAY OUT! What a nightmare. Can you imagine signing up for the national guard in Iowa, thinking you could make some extra pay on weekends and occasionally help mop up after a Midwest tornado, and now be sitting in Iraq on your 3rd tour of duty in an undeclared war with no end in sight, with your wife suffering to make ends meet at home while taking care of your babies? Are you pissed off yet? Hold everyone you know that votes Republican accountable and get in their face.

[pastdue1]

American officials refused to explain the legal authority under which Blackwater operates in Iraq or say whether the company was complying with the order"

"refused" Does this not say it all?

[omnibus66]

The sad thing is that most Americans do not realize the scope of the mercenary force in Iraq. Most estimates (the real number is one of Cheney''s secrets) are that there are more mercenaries in Iraq than there are U.S. troops. The salaries for these hired guns comes to more than one billion per month.

If these guys are expelled from Iraq, the whole thing collapses overnight. Bush will do whatever it takes to prevent that from happening.

[barbaraf4]

"What ever possessed the Bush administration to start hiring private mercenaries in the first place? That''s about all Blackwater is. A bunch of unruly thugs who just got caught. They need to be tried in an Iraqi court too!"
Posted by grumpas at 09:28 AM : Sep 18, 2007

Blackwater is made up of CIA and former special forces troops, who no longer serve our country. Now they serve *** Cheney.

These are the people who fly under the radar. There are no governing bodies keeping track of their missions and behavior. This is the group that tortures without penalty. This is Bush''s secret army and he is not about to disband this group. This would not be the first time they have killed civilians. This time they accidently left behind a witness.

[irishmail42]

Without Blackwater contractors in Iraq it won%u2019t belong before our military begins to withdraw. Anyone for the draft?

[toldyouso21]

Bolani told Al-Arabiya television. "We are implementing the law and abide by laws, and others should respect these laws and respect the sovereignty and independence of Iraqis in their country."

I really don''t see what Rice, Bush, Cheney or Blackwater needs to talk about with the Iraqi people. They said they wanted that company out. Bush said they were a sovereign, Democratic nation. So, unless we lied about the state of Iraq and their independence, visitors/guests etc., should RESPECT their sentiments and get out. They do not belong to us, so there is no need for investigation or trial or talks--if they are truly sovereign, then they have a right to kick all foreigners out for any reason or none at all.

Would America allow foreigners to occupy their country? And would we ever accept being run roughshod over by mercenaries who have no consequences for whatever they did to us? The more Bush''s Iraqi onion of ''Democracy and freedom and sovereignty'' gets peeled back--the more we see what a sham it really is.

And BTW, the Iraqis don''t think guaranteed oil drilling and exploration deals for the West''s largest oil company needs to be part of them getting back together as a country--another thing their ''autonomy'' should make everyone just accept.

[toldyouso21]

When asked what authority they were operating under, one guy said, "We''''re on contract with the Department of Homeland Security." Then, pointing to one of his comrades, he said, "He was even deputized by the governor of the state of Louisiana. We can make arrests and use lethal force if we deem it necessary." The man then held up the gold Louisiana law enforcement badge he wore around his neck. Blackwater spokesperson Anne Duke also said the company has a letter from Louisiana officials authorizing its forces to carry loaded weapons.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051010/
scahill Posted by omega39 at 09:33 AM : Sep 18, 2007
**************************************
Congress would not give Bush the National guard to command and control as his own private militia force--so he did 2 things:

1. Created his own army with Blackwater
2. Declared his own right to commandeer and use the NG against American citizens in a time of war.

He needed control over the NG--because if ever he tries a police action coup of America, the NG could outgun his blackwater--by controlling both, he holds 2 aces. And we have the Republican AND Democratic Congress for failing to stop that particular take over bid.

[gunownerdan]

Maybe one day Blackwater mercenary soldiers will be used to round up you and your family and ship you all off to the big new detention camps built by Halliburton in several locations around the country.
Don''t say that it''s impossible and can never happen.....
Many people in Germany during the 1930''s said "it can''t happen here", and unfortunately they are mostly the ones who did not survive Hitler''s hatred.

[toldyouso21]

Private mercenary armies like Blackwater may one day be used to disarm the American people if guns are banned because surely no soldier for the US military would disobey the oath they each took to protect and defend the Constitution. Posted by GunOwnerDan at 09:38 AM : Sep 18, 2007

They already ARE disobeying the constitution: Remember that article in the Constitution ratified in 1797 that stated we would abide by all international treaties, pacts. laws, etc that we signed and that, if we breached them we must submit to the rule of international law and that our courts and Congress and President would not have jurisdiction and could not override or not obey the ruling? Well, what do you think invading a sovereign nation that had not committed agression and ignoring the Geneva Conventions was? They have been operating outside of the Constitution, ever since Bush declared this war--fortunately for them and most Americans who support Bush--they don''t know that they are. In order to know if you operate against your own Constitution--you''d have to know exactly what it says AND what it means--most don''t know and rely on people like Bush and his cronies to tell them. Like a monster would really tell you the truth anyway.

[mbwinnsboro]

It''s their country and government. If they want Blackwater out then they should already be on planes. Better still, the Blackwatr employees are civilians, why doesn''t the Iraq government arrest and try them in their courts? Our soldiers get paid a paltry wage to put their life on the line and live in primitive conditions while these mercenaries get paid big money and live in the "green zone." Blackwater is the Haliburton of the private security sector.

[toldyouso21]

How can anyone ever vote republican again? If I live another 50 years I swear they will never get my vote again.
Posted by zolefart at 09:16 AM : Sep 18, 2007

LOL. What makes you think you get to vote again? Bush issued an order declaring the NG his own private army to use as he wishes against Americans in the case of emergency. Congress would not grant him the right despite repeat petitioning of them from 2004 on--so he just signed a statement declaring it. Between the NG and Blackwater, if the Congress does not disarm that law...there may be no more elections or anymore choices. How exactly do Americans imagine a country is changed into a police state or dictatorship? It is done in incremental stages with most of the population and government too ignorant and complacent to imagine what the end game really will be.

[gunownerdan]

Think about this.
All of the extra, unconstitutional powers Bush has given himself through new laws, "signing statements", etc., sets a precedent and these same dictatorial powers will be given to the next president, and the next one.
It''s only a matter of time before these powers are used and abused.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

It''s only a matter of time before these powers are used and abused.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

[clestes-2009]

Maybe they should order the troops out too!

[fairandbal]

Blackwater is America''s version of storm troopers. Being built up and used by the neocons in order to build a core of ''soldiers'' that are only answerable to corporate america. Wake up folks!

[mbwinnsboro]

Just one more reason for the world community to view Americans with distain. "One nation under Bush with oppression and tyrany for all."

[gunownerdan]

Blackwater mercenary troops will be conducting law enforcement operations in America in no time.
Fascism is on the march!

[myidoncbs]

Mercenaries: the lowest form of life of the planet.

[js_lp]

It sound as though most are already prosecuting Blackwater and their employees before the entire investigation has been completed. We claim to be a land of law, but in situations such as this public opinion jumps to guilt without the complete evidence. If we take a moment and listen to the accounts of the incident from our fellow Americans prospective we might walk away with a different opinion of this incident. Neither myself, nor anyone else reading this article was in Iraq being shot at when this incident took place. Therefore, it is hard for me to judge their actions. The employees report that they were ambushed first and then returned fire. It is unfortunate that people must loose their lives, but this is war no matter what anyone%u2019s opinion is of the war policies. Without Blackwater protecting U.S. diplomats imagine how many more American lives would have been lost by this point in the occupation!!

[tail_honcho]

They are security gaurds... we have them all over the place in America. They should be tried for their actions just like in any other country. If they break the law where they work, they should pay the price.

[zykracosmos]

Think about this... Blackwater "contractors" make about $600 per day, up to $17,000 per MONTH. They cannot be coerced by the government to "serve another tour." There are about 100,000 of these "private contractor" mercenaries in Iraq making top pay, with top-grade equipment. If you are a relative of a national guardsman or other volunteer soldier commanded to stay in Iraq for little pay and total exposure to car bombs and snipers, don''t you feel like the Republicans are using and abusing you and your family? Still feeling patriotic? What''s interesting is that even if the Democratic Congress is successful in bringing home the 140,000 soldiers in Iraq, Bush still has 100,000 mercenaries and will gladly spend billions more to keep Halliburton and Exxon''s operations going there. Bush and Cheney are using your tax dollars to fight a mercenary war for oil to enrich the most profitable companies in the world, all while bankrupting our government, destroying our alliances around the world, and ruining the lives of thousands of families across the US. They will leave the government next year to rejoin the Big Oil corporations they came from as multi-millionaire executives. What will you have?

[jasonmcj]

Please, if you belive this, I have a gridge for sale.

Iraq was told to say this by the Pentagon, to act like they will do something. Meanwhile, Blackwater, whch is run by a right wing nut who give millions to Bush, will continue to operate, unsupervised, as insurgents in Iraq. They are nothing more that US sponsored terrorists in Iraq.

[jasonmcj]

Wrong!!! Blackwater trains plenty of mercs from Latin American countries, not just USA''s finest.

"These mercs i.e. Blackwater were the best and the toughest guys our services had. They just got tired of low pay and the bizarre workings of the UCMJ and the rules of engagement. If you are being a political pawn anyway at least be able to shoot back.
Labeling these guys street thugs ignores the fact that THEY protect the most sensitive sites and personnel not our undertrained overstreched ctive duty and guard. That''''s why we use them. (little secret) they even protect certain Iraqi pols who want it. "

[pastdue1]

We claim to be a land of law
Posted by JS_LP at 10:16 AM : Sep 18, 2007

Please explain by which laws of the country is the United States paying mercenaries. And, if it is legal, why is there not some oversight by Congress of this company? Why has this involvement in Iraq remained so secretive as to the exact nature of their activities. After all, it is tax payer money that goes to equip, pay and sustain this company to protect whomever the administration wants protected. The American people deserve to know who is acting in their name.

[aaabee-2009]

How exactly do Americans imagine a country is changed into a police state or dictatorship? It is done in incremental stages with most of the population and government too ignorant and complacent to imagine what the end game really will be." Posted by toldyouso21 at 09:58 AM : Sep 18, 2007

Rush Limbaugh and Mike Savage calling war dissenters Nazi''s. Anyone opposing the war is not a patriot. Cindy Sheehan removed from protesting anywhere near Bush and made a laughing stock. Compliant Republicans supporting Bush decisions no matter how bad. Public demonizing of Democrats until they are viewed as evil America-haters. PLus this on-going campaign of terrorism to keep Americans afraid and unsettled.

We are well on our way to a GOP dictatorship, headed by these ultra-wealthy profits-loyal American power-hungry patriots who have never seen war themselves.

After 7 years of evidence, isn''t it now obvious who the enemy REALLY IS!

And the Republicans keep saying it is the liberals who are the American freedoms-hating unpatriotic monsters? Would you say the evidence is in that perhaps it is Bush and his cronies instead?

[tail_honcho]

Go to trial. Enforce laws. Make them govern themselves.

[mcvet]

"These mercs i.e. Blackwater were the best and the toughest guys our services had. They just got tired of low pay and the bizarre workings of the UCMJ and the rules of engagement. If you are being a political pawn anyway at least be able to shoot back.
Labeling these guys street thugs ignores the fact that THEY protect the most sensitive sites and personnel not our undertrained overstreched ctive duty and guard. That''''''''s why we use them. (little secret) they even protect certain Iraqi pols who want it. "

Posted by JasonMcJ at 10:28 AM : Sep 18, 2007
+ report abuse

As someone who has walked into combat and KNOWS the kind of scum these people really are, I find you post sickening! There are TWO types that go into the Military, people like me and MILLIONS of other Vets out there. They do NOT like to kill and they DO NOT like to hear the sound of an American falling at their side. They do what they absolutely MUST do and the PAY has NOTHING to do with it. This TRASH and that''s what they are is TRASH, kills anyone and everything for a price. They have NO concern about freedoms or rights. They are what they are and having UNREGULATED scum like this representing this nation should embarrass EVERY American. I know it does my father who fought in the Pacific during WW II. Sieg Heil Bush!!

[gunownerdan]

Bush, Clinton, Bush, hey, it''s time for another Clinton!
Out of 300,000,000 people, only a Bush or a Clinton has the experience and ability to lead our nation.
Welcome to the Bush/Clinton oligarchy!
Have your "papers" ready at all times.
Arbeit Macht Frei!

[andor3]

yes watch these mercenary contractors! They are expensive, tax-dollar paid, representing America in the region, and subject to very limited oversight or regulation.

Bring home the contractors AND the troops!

[roger_inkart]

Order and demand all you want Iraq. Blackwater is not leaving.

Basically, if they did, there would have to be a draft.

[pepperp1]

We need to do our job as the People who are this Government and stay focused on the facts not the Republican Ruse dog and pony show RNC Bot antics. 75 Percent, 75 percent reject Bushs failed strategy and his handling of this occupation.



Do not be distracted, the facts are simple the math just as simple, the guilty sacrificing our soldiers and their lives unnecessary are the Republicans in the Senate Bush and Petraeus can not keep our troops in Iraq if our Republican Senators switch their vote for America and our Troops so they may come home and live long lives with their families.

Call your Senator tell him to execute the will of the people not a perverted Political Party agenda. Make your voice heard tell them to change the Mission and choose Life for our Troops.

[phone] for the Senate, and [phone] for the House

[gwagener]

"The U.S. clearly hoped the Iraqis would be satisfied with an investigation"

You don''t need to hope when you are in a position to dictate terms, which Secretary Rice clearly is.
I said it yesterday, and stand by, I''ll be proven right: The decision to expel Blackwater will be reversed in a matter of days if not hours.

[zykracosmos]

LOL Roger. "...there would have to be a draft"
You are delusioned if you think Congress would institute a draft to bail out Bush and Cheney''s Iraqi misadventure. A draft would only come if we are attacked by another country. This doesn''t qualify. First get the troops out, then let Exxon fund it''s own war in Iraq with the billions and billions in profits they have milked off of us. They are, along with Halliburton, the only beneficiaries of this war anyway.