Blackwater Bribery

The lead article in today’s New York Times is titled, “Blackwater Said to Pursue Bribes to Iraq After 17 Died.” It describes an attempt by high-level Blackwater executives to avoid responsibility for the indiscriminate murder of 17 Iraqis in Nisour Square by their employees.

Gary Jackson, Blackwater’s President, who refused comment for the article, apparently approved the bribes and had the money sent from Amman, Jordan, to Iraqi officials even while Blackwater’s Vice Chairman, Cofer Black, was negotiating compensatory payments to the vicitims.

Blackwater certainly had an incentive to pay the bribes. They had garnered a total  of almost $1.5 billion from protecting diplomatic personnel. And they were operating in Iraq without a license.

This level of corruption  goes beyond the pale. American business firms typically adapt to the cultures where they operate and grease some palms, but not where murder is involved, not to mention 17 deaths.

At the time, Americans were widely perceived as occupiers, and Blackwater’s attempt at bribery actually hurt national security in this respect. At least Blackwater is no longer involved in Iraq today.

And Blackwater also now finds itself in legal jeopardy. Even though at the time the participants were immune from Iraqi law, there are cases pending in U.S. courts, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act bans bribes to foreign officials.

Despite it all, I still think Blackwater will receive justice in the end.