This is a true test of US intent if it really wants to establish a democracy in Iraq.

Will US will have the honor to uphold the most assertive decision made by the fledgling Iraqi democracy till today even when the decision goes against the economic interests of the Republican party as Blackwater is one of the major benefactors of the GOP.

Dave, Irvine,

Condi needs to do her homework - a simple search on the internet documents many abuses of power by this group. To allow them to operate without any consequences - above the law - and commit acts that are not within the honour and integrity that this country preaches is unacceptable. This group has interest in keeping the war going forever and growing huge and wealthy as a result - they are counter to the aim of settling this misguided event.

Rick_VT, Burliongton, Vermont

Well Farrukh of Woking, lets think about that for a minute. Would Britain, France, Germany or the U.S. tolerate it? Probably not. Why is this? Perhaps because those nations have a rule of law and the ability to enforce it. When Iraq comes to the point of being able to pass and provide law and order to protect human beings from random or planned savagery, then the Blackwaters will disappear from that region. Let's face it: security firms only exist if there's a vacuum to fill. Who would want to pay them for a service that the Iraqis should be providing for the cost of taxes?

Having a security service to protect you beats the heck out of being beheaded or strung up from a lamp post.

James P, Sacramento, California

So President Bush has been hiring assassins to do their dirty work in Iraq?

What else is new in war on terror!

No wonder proper soldiers are unable to win hearts and minds. I think these kind of private killers don't give a damn about US winning or losing in Iraq. As long as they make their millions, they might be seeing war as a good thing. I think US should pull them out if it wants to succeed in Iraq.

Z Hussain, Rochdale, UK

Lets be clear on this. Blackwater is not a security firm. They are ex special operations solders who are in, some circumstances, on the front line in a war where they have had immunity from prosecution since 2001. Blackwater and companies like them have been used in operations that have lead to many Iraqi deaths and just "bouncers" for US officials. The US Government has let corporations enter the battlefield . Another thing we can thank George for.

Natalie, Warwickshire, UK

Their job is not to kill civilians though. Their job is to protect their clients, and when the enemy hides in crowds of the innocent there's going to be collateral damage. Its not as if they're going into crowded marketplaces and blowing up car bombs. The majority of civilian deaths have been caused by Iraqis, Saudi and Iranians. Where is the outrage at them?

Matt, Pittsburgh, USA/Pennsylvania

Would any country really tolerate its citizens being murdered by a security firm? More importantly would any of us (UK, Europe, US) give immunity to foreigners who kill our civilians? Why should it be any different for the Iraqis?

Farrukh, Woking, UK

haha, so Condi's ever so sorry about what Blackwater's been getting up, but no there won't be any prosecutions, and can they stay in the country, please?

This is what happens when war is privatised. This one's been coming for a while now, and the Iraqi government has every right to throw these unaccountable mercenaries out of their country.

Owen, London, UK

WHAT? Just to get this straight....the US is essentially saying, "YOUR government can't prosecute OUR citizens for breaking the law and murdering people in YOUR country unless WE say YOU can"......? Seriously? Fancy that...wonder who in the Bush camp has a vested interest in Blackwater USA? On top of all this - - the US doesn't have enough troops on the ground so they employ mercenaries paid by the State Department.....? Wow - - glad to no longer be living in Canada on the US' doorstep.

Diego, Auckland, New Zealand