The privatisation of military functions, from logistics to maintaining weapons, has reached the point that the Pentagon now regards contractors as an integral part of its “total force”. America could not go to war without them. But in Iraq they operate in a legal grey zone. It is unclear, for instance, whether Blackwater has or even needs an Iraqi licence to operate. Security companies are immune from Iraqi law. Though subject to rules on the use of force by governments that hire them, none of the guns for hire in Iraq has been prosecuted; some have been fired or sent home. Will Iraqi leaders dare rescind the immunity and risk losing the vital services of the security companies? That will be a real test of sovereignty.

Voilà qui répond à la remarque finale que je faisais ici (voir ceci, aussi)…

Source : The Economist.