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<div>The extensive use of mercenary soldiers (or "security" personnel, as some call them) in Iraq raises serious questions. The following articles explore some of these issues, along with info on the new documentary mentioned in the subject heading. How often do we hear about the conduct in Iraq of these "soldiers of fortune" in the media? Is the extensive use of soldiers of fortune, often paid much more than US military personnel, deliberate to sometimes allow them to engage in questionable conduct not allowed for US military personnel? And what effect does it have on the morale of US military soldiers, knowing that the mercenary soldiers are often making far more money then they are, as they risk life and limb?
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<div><a href="http://movies.aol.com/truestories/shadow-company">http://movies.aol.com/truestories/shadow-company</a></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.filmthreat.com/index.php?section=reviews&Id=8718">http://www.filmthreat.com/index.php?section=reviews&Id=8718</a></div>
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<div>Links to more info on mercenary soldiers in Iraq:</div>
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<div><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,1935704,00.html">http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,1935704,00.html</a></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/dec2005/merc-d28.shtml">http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/dec2005/merc-d28.shtml</a></div>
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<div>Pete Vonder Haar, Film Threat</div>
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<div>"There are an estimated 20,000 private soldiers on the ground in Iraq, more than the total number of combined non-US coalition ground forces, and one for roughly every ten American soldiers. 'Shadow Company' directors Nick Bicanic and Jason Bourque attempt to find out where these guys come from, what exactly they do, and why they do it.' "
<a href="http://filmthreat.com/index.php?section=reviews&Id=8718"><font color="#99ccff">More</font></a></div>
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<div>Vision2020 Post: Ted Moffett</div>