Modern Mercenaries on the Iraqi Frontier

In what appears to be a modern manifestation of old mercenary platoons, 'risk management' firms are filling the security gap in a tense Iraq. Former military men from around the world are earning large salaries to protect the development agencies and businesses that have recently entered the post-Saddam state. Though one would think that 'risk management' forces would attract "the footloose, swashbuckling stereotype", with the complex application process, most of its employees are reliable, law-abiding, well-disciplined citizens. Indeed, one would have to be to survive the uncertain and tense conditions of Iraq. The global phenomenon of private security forces has some worried about the privatization of the military (and thus the reduction in public accountability), but for now, no one else is willing to do the job. – YaleGlobal