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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Blackwater Founder Sets Up Private Army For UAE

Erik Prince, Founder and CEO of the company formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide. (AP)

Erik Prince, Founder and CEO of the company formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide. (AP)

A company formed by Erik Prince, the founder of the security contractor Blackwater Worldwide, is working for the United Arab Emirates, setting up a private army that would defend the country against terrorists and quash internal revolts.

The New York Times first reported on Sunday that Reflex Responses signed a $529-million-dollar contract with the UAE last year. Blackwater, now known as Xe Services, earned billions in Iraq but also drew legal and Congressional scrutiny when four of its guards were accused of killing 17 civilians in Baghdad in 2007.

New York Times reporter Mark Mazzetti joins us to talk about Erik Prince’s new project.

Other stories from Wednesday's show

We welcome comments from all of our listeners. Post below. Please stay on topic and be civil. Comments may be moderated by us, but you are solely responsible for the content of your comments.

  • Guest

     just another guy who never grew up and thought playing army was cool instead of a responsibility -mercenaries (soldier is a synonym) are profiteers, not much more – what this guy needs is to get his arm shot of or lose an eye, in order to begin to appreciate just how much good he is really doing -Â
    I know that sounds a little harsh, but then teaching young men how to kill (for profit) is not exactly laudable either

    • Thesalparadise

      Actually Eric Prince is a former Navy Seal. I think he knows what he’s doing. I’m a former Marine and private military contractor. As a veteran becoming a p.m.c. is our only source for jobs when you have certain training.

  • daymaker

     Talk about a new twist on outsourcing. The global economy has a new meaning doesn’t it.

  • Mcbryde91

    Good to go Mr.Prince. Some of these comments are very funny. Easy to tell who has been down range and who has not. Make your left wing comments…..guys like us do what has to be done to make sure you have that right. I am a combat vet of OIF and Afghanistan and now a Contractor. Until you have faced the enemy on the ground and did your job to accomplish the mission, get your men out alive and survive in the process…….shut your suck. You will do what it takes to survive when the rounds go down range. Best of luck Erick and jibe well done sir.

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