Blackwater Flushed

Apparently Maliki has banished Blackwater Security USA (whose web site was "out of service" at time of this post) from Iraq, stemming from an incident yesterday when Blackwater employees allegedly shot and killed 8 Iraqi civilians.

This is not the first alleged misdeed by Blackwater employees. There are reports of a video posted by a Blackwater employee that depicts the hired guns hunting Iraqis for fun and sport. There is also government evidence that Blackwater employees were involved in the Abu Ghraid torture scandal.

Blackwater is the government sanctioned (and funded) outlaws of the Iraqi wild west. Committing criminal acts in the name of national security. Does their disposal mark a watershed moment in Iraq. Turning over a new leaf and abandoning corruption and cronyism for morals and a commitment to rebuilding Iraq? Not likely

What does all of this mean for US troops serving in Baghdad?

Blackwater's presence was relatively small, and their status as the "private army" of Baghdad plus subsequent media coverage made them exceptionally conspicuous. It is doubtful that their disappearance will have any tactical effect on the war.

The more interesting implications arise from Maliki's assertive stance. Is this a first sign of action from the tragically inept Maliki? If so, horrible timing.

Over the weekend Moqtada al-Sadr announced that he was withdrawing his Shiite bloc from the Iraqi parliament. This move could easily lead to the disintegration of the Maliki's entire government, with al-Sadr and his armed followers in a position to challenge Maliki for power.

Not a good time for Maliki to ruffle the feathers of Americans with big guns... they may be all he has left.