Story: Security Contractors Criticized for Violence in Iraq, 10/10/07
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec07/blackwater_10-10.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is Blackwater and why has it been in the news recently?

2. What are contractors and why are they being used in war zones? What are some of the concerns regarding their use?

3. Describe what is known about the significant Blackwater event that occurred in September that led to investigations in Baghdad and Washington, D.C.?

4. Where does Blackwater get most of its funding? What kind of work is it doing in Iraq?

5. What is "Order 17" and how is it significant to the Blackwater story?

6. What did the House committee report say about Blackwater's record?

7. What changes have occurred since the Blackwater incident?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. What do you think about the role of security contractors in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan? What are the benefits of such arrangements? What are the challenges? What changes, if any, would you make to the current situation?

2. According to Order 17, American personnel, including security contractors such as those who work for Blackwater, are immune from prosecution under Iraqi law. Do you agree with this? Why or why not? Research this topic. What laws, if any, apply to American personnel in a war zone? What changes, if any, would you make if you could? Explain your reasoning.

3. Think of the position of the Iraqi government. On one hand they need the U.S. military and security contractors to help maintain stability so they can stay in power, on the other hand, granting Americans immunity under Order 17 is a sign of weakness to the Iraqi people and other Arab nations. What should Iraq's leaders do in this situation?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of the topics in this exercise providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.