Re: Mercenaries in 2002

From: "John Atkinson" <johnmatkinson@yahoo.com>

> OK, I wrote this about 2 and a half years ago.  In
> light of the current discussion, I think it's relevant
> again.

-->8--

Nice one, John. Good article, still relevant, and some.

But, truth being stranger than fiction, here's a quote from
http://www.sandline.com/company/

"Sandline International is a Private Military Company (PMC)
 which specialises in problem resolution and the provision
 of associated consulting services."

See also
http://www.sandline.com/hotlinks/article12.html
For an article giving pros *and cos* of using their services
for peacemaking/peacekeeping.

In fact, the sandline site has links to other PMO's.
My favourite is http://www.marinerisk.com
"Marine Risk Management". Though "International Charter Inc"
has a nice ring to it too.

http://www.spintechmag.com/9909/da0999.htm
identifies the major players

US: Military Professional Resources Inc (MPRI) is at
http://www.mpri.com,
see also
http://thewinds.arcsnet.net/archive/government/military8-97.html

Executive Outcomes and their subsidiary Lifeguard are no longer
operational.

A really good article on Private Military Organisations is at
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Square/6130/olvol03/michael1.htm
which lists many of the minor, as well as the major, players.

Quote:
"Since they are unlikely to prove a transient phenomenon, it is
incumbent
 upon the international community to ensure that the unaccountable
nature
 of PMCs is addressed. Criminalising their potentially useful skills is
both
 unfair and pointless. Legislation which seeks to regulate private
militaries
 and increase their operational transparency has already come into force
in
 South Africa. Other countries which play host to PMCs might follow the
ANC's
 lead in this respect. Only then can we begin to ensure that PMCs are
usefully
 integrated into peace building efforts in Africa and that they do not
become
 a law unto themselves and their corporate sponsors."

For Sandline's position on a "Mercenary Guild" see
http://www.sandline.com/white/regulation.doc