Very disappointing!
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I wondered about the objectively of this book when I read the dedication: 'to the unheralded heroes of the war on terror, the contractors who have scarified their life in service of their client'. At first I though that Mr. Pelton was trying to be sarcastic, but unfortunately after reading the whole book (watch out for the dodgy grammar), it was left with the impression that he actually admirers the likes of Blackwater and DynCorp. The book is filled with references of Blackwater operations (mostly in Iraq), where contractors are portrayed as a little rough, but patriotic and reasonability level headed - rather than overpaid thugs, who have seen an opportunity to line their own pockets in a war zone! Although, I had to laugh a little when he interviewed a ex-Blackwater contractor who survived an attack on his convoy, when he said 'I still have a hole in my ass'. It would seem that there some justice in the world! In summary, reading the other reviews posted here I expected something much better, but was deeply disappointed.
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Excellent Work
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I'm a big fan of RYP's writing style and this, like his Dangerous Places books, was another 'couldn't put it down' read. Though he has toned down his hilarious sarcasm that fills the pages of DP, quite appropriately given the sometimes tragic events covered, the book remains very readable.
I acknowledge others comments about abbreviations used but I do not have a US military background and found it quite easy to follow (there is a glossary after all).
What I was most impressed with was the complete neutrality with which Pelton writes. Unlike so many others that write on this kind of subject he does not attempt to force his own personal view down the readers' throat, something I find extremely irritating. He simply uses his contacts, charisma and writing skill to provide the reader with his findings. In this way Pelton not only complements the reader with having the intelligence to come to their own conclusions but his no nonsense, factual, sensationalism shunning writing will no doubt further his reputation in the field.
Well done....and when is DP6 coming out..LOL!
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No Quarter
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The role of Private Security Contractors (to their friends) and mercenaries (to their enemies) in the Afghan and Iraqi operations of the 'War of terror' is a complex and controversial one, and Robert Young Pelton gives us a timely and unjudgemental piece of reportage on them in this book. Private companies such as Aegis and Blackwater contracted by governments and corporations to provide security where regular troops and armies are unavailable are having a huge influence upon modern warfare and it is often difficult to find unbiased reportage on their actions and motivations. Pelton spends the first half of this book drawing upon first-hand experience of travelling and living with the contractors in both Afghanistan and Iraq and gives an unblinking view of a world which is inhabited by everyone from honourable ex-servicemen to money-hungry mercenaries to killers and a swathe of people in between. Showing both the positive (bravery and a desire to make the world a better place) and the negative (the killing of civilians and corruption are not glossed over) this is a book which allows the reader to make up their own mind on the role of these new organisations in modern warfare. The second half of the book looks at the growth of the Private Military Company industry from the early days of Sandline and Executive Outcomes in Africa and how these companies can go wrong, as happened in Bougainville and Equatorial Ginuea.
Pelton is an engaging author who must be possessed of remarkable personal charisma to get access to the places and information he does. Whilst he goes over a lot of the same territory covered in both The Worlds Most Dangerous Places and Three Worlds Gone Mad, Licensed to Kill is an excellent read and resource for anyone interested in what is happening in some of the darker corners of Modern Warfare, and a possible look into the future of global conflict.
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Proxy
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A superb account of the modern soldier for hire. This book gives a great overview of the different elements that make up the 'privateer' chain. From the highly trained frontline men to the movers and shakers of this highly profitable enterprise.
Pelton gives the reader the uncommon view of the industry by actually riding alongside and embedding with a Blackwater group that runs the BIAP route (Baghdad International Air Port), commonly regarded as the most dangerous stretch of tarmac on the planet. Rather than most accounts, of this often clandestine world, which are written by people removed from the actual events Pelton speaks directly to the guys on the ground. By 'getting it from the horses mouth' we get a real sense of what these guys feel they are a part of, and what really motivates them to re-use their skills in the private arena.
Although it would have been much more complete if there had been other opinions thrown in. That of the people who they are protecting 'the principle', or NGO's (Non-Governmental Organizations). Concerning the event in Equatorial Guinea I would have liked a sense of what the feeling was on the ground for the people there. Would the coup have been well recieved or would it have been a forced re-constitution, that side of the book, I felt, was lacking.
One small niggle I had with his writing style is the over use of abbreviations. Its sometimes felt like reading a intelligence briefing and really destroyed the flow of reading for me. I'm quite happy to read the word in full thanks.
A recommended read in general, a must for anyone interested in the unreported world of privately hired soldiers.
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Bold investigation
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This book looks into the role of private security operators working in the recently invaded/ liberated countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. It investigates the new companies, which have sprung up to fill this market such as Backwater and Aegis. It documents how these companies developed and more importantly, are seeking to expand.
If you are involved with overseas development or diaster response then you need to read this book, these companies are seeking opportunities to provide humanitarian assistance and peace keeping roles, to countries where the US & UK do not wish to commit serving troops.
I would have given 5 stars if the writer had been able to interveiw the members of the public in the these countrys and how they viewed the involvment of the security contractors.
Looking forward to reading the 6th edition of "worlds most dangerous places"
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