they will call upon their islamists to win the war. you know the type…the Hamasis, the Hizboullahis, the Jehadis, the guys who itch for such interaction with our peaceful, enlightened Hebrew neighbors.

While they may have committed some minor infractions during their mission in Iraq [Jeremy Scahill], we have a strong partnership with them. There are chances that “Jordan has hired Blackwater to train its special forces” [Dana Hedgpeth - The Washington Post November 3rd, 2007]. During an appearance on CNBC’s s Kudlow & Company in August,2007 Cofer Black was passionately encouraging American investment in Jordan: “I mean, look we get something like 6 -700,000 Iraqis that have moved from Iraq into Jordan that require cement, furniture, housing and the like. So it is a an island of growth and potential, certainly in that immediate area. So it looks good.” —If Cofer Black thinks so…it must be good.

Blackhawk Products Group USA
BlackWater USA

Bren-Tronics USA
Bushmaster Firearms International USA
Broadcast Microwave Services USA

Scroll a little further and here is DynCorp International – another “technology” private military contractor.

It is also worth noting that Sofex 2006 offered a podium for Cofer Black to give a very informative presentation on how Blackwater is ready to offer up to full-brigade services to resolve small conflicts and insurgency/terrorism all over the world.

“It’s an intriguing, good idea [a for-profit company becoming an army for hire] from a practical standpoint because we’re low-cost and fast,” (Cofer Black) said on March 27 during the Defense News 2006 SOFEX Conference (in Amman). “The issue is, who’s going to let us play on their team? “Blackwater spends a lot of time thinking, ‘How can we contribute to the common good?’ ” [Cofer] said the company would want to make a profit, but the small force would still be cheaper than bringing in joint forces.”

Now that’s technology

im asking seriously .. thats not meant as a cynical remark.

secondly, a post like this one isn’t meant to be a critical analysis of the geo-political situation of the military industry. it’s just an event. i have to go to these things because of my “real world” job and my “real life” finds its way into my blog every now and then, so don’t take them so seriously because as you can tell, they’re not meant to be. in other words, there’s no reason for labeling me as a hypocrite.

all the best

On a second thought, maybe it is much more comfortable for an opinionated human being to stay afloat between baqaa refugee camp compassionate photo essays and SOFEX reports…it is that kind of “diversity” that thrives.

I really appreciate your reply Nasim.
Wish you all the best

I’m a human being and I have my own views and opinions and they form the basis of every post on this blog. If i see something i think deserves criticism, i do so. if it doesn’t, well i’m not going to do it just to appease you or others. I am however consistent in my views on what I think of certain subjects, and they’ve remained unchanged thus far. In Jordan, you have to be able to point out the good, the bad and everything in between. otherwise, if its just the bad all the time, this would be a very depressing blog and we would all probably kill ourselves.

also, i skipped the lunch yesterday, but i thought it was a pretty neat idea is all.

thanks again.

Honestly Naseem, I find it the way you discuss Jordanian issues a little inconsistent - not to say hypocritical.
You are often highlighting local stories with a critical tone – not say in a complaining or dis-satisfactory tone. –from social issues, to freedom of speech even up to foreign policy. And on some instances you may even go as far as criticising some royal laws also in an ironic tone…And then all of a sudden you are dancing to Hashmi Hashmi for two weeks, pimping meaningless initiatives and websites while eating magloobeh at exhibitions for war makers and mercenary services!!

I think you are in a position to realise that the palace in Jordan is the most and the only influential part in Jordanian policy…on every level… and in my personal opinion a person with a basic understanding of how this country works would either: demand better from the decision makers, join the herds of clappers and dancers or simply say nothing….But to try to give yourself legitimacy through endless criticism with the purpose of masking your conformist nature is just deceiving and dishonest.