Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #319693 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 358 pages

Customer Reviews

Bold investigation
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"

Very disappointing!
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.

Very pleased
I received the product on time and it was in the exact condition stated by the seller. I am very happy with this book and will use amazon.co.uk again.