New Guns For Hire

Baghdad: Iraqi Interior Ministry sources have said that American and British security firms have started to leave Iraq.

"Colombian, Chilean and Jordanian security companies may expand their work in Baghdad. These companies are known for their good record and their willingness to rectify mistakes carried out by previous American, Australian and British security firms who would often open fire in the street carelessly," sources at the information and investigations agency at the Iraqi Interior Ministry told Gulf News.

These sources added: "There are some 5,000 individuals working for Colombian, Chilean and Jordanian security firms and these companies have contracts with the coalition authorities, not with the Iraqi government."

---- Would those be the ex-military Colombian and Chileans recruited to work for Triple Canopy (Herndon, VA)?

Or would those be latinos with experience in helping the US fight the war on drugs? "For hire: more than 1,000 U.S.-trained former soldiers and police officers from Colombia. Combat-hardened, experienced in fighting insurgents and ready for duty in Iraq."

And, look Bubba, cheaper labor ! - "Colombians were willing to work for $2,500 to $5,000 a month, compared with perhaps $10,000 or more for Americans."

But hey, if it works for the Iraqi Interior Ministry ...