Why Hiring Mercenaries To Fight The Islamic State Is A Bad Idea

Ulrich Petersohn, Conversation: Private military companies don’t stand much of a chance against Islamic State

Western governments find themselves in a dilemma in their fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS). The organisation has proved remarkably resilient to military force, which so far has depended heavily on air strikes. Ground troops from outside the region are not forthcoming and while a sizeable local ground force is fighting IS in Iraq, its troops are unlikely to venture into Syrian territory.

This puts Western governments in a bind. Destroying IS is a top priority, but the prospect of “putting boots on the ground” is as unpopular as ever with citizens weary of messy foreign intervention. A few in the private security industry have seen this as an opportunity to ply their trade. Most prominently, Erik Prince, former CEO of US security company Blackwater (now Academi), has promoted the idea of sending in private military and security companies (PMSCs) as a ground force.

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Update #1: Fighting ISIS with mercenaries is bad idea, says private military expert (RT)
Update #2: Private military companies don't stand a chance against Islamic State (UPI)

WNU Editor: I agree.