Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Blackwater founder Prince feels thrown under bus
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Blackwater founder Prince feels thrown under bus
By MIKE BAKER,Associated Press Writer -
Thursday, December 3
Send
IM Story
Print
RALEIGH, N.C. – The man who built Blackwater USA into one of the world's most respected and reviled defense contractors feels that he was thrown under the bus after serving the nation's security interests for years.
Erik Prince's company, which renamed itself Xe Services in February after an uproar over its Iraq operations, has worked closely for years with the CIA, the State Department and the U.S. military. But it became the target of a series of federal investigations and congressional probes, primarily for its Iraq work. Most recently, officials disclosed that the CIA tapped the company to work under a program to capture or kill terrorists.
The 40-year-old heir to a Michigan auto parts fortune told Vanity Fair in an interview released Wednesday that Xe now pays $2 million a month in legal bills. The company is headquartered in Moyock in northeastern North Carolina,
"I put myself and my company at the CIA's disposal for some very risky missions," Prince told Vanity Fair for its January issue. "But when it became politically expedient to do so, someone threw me under the bus."
Prince likened his case to the leak of former CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity _ a disclosure that led to a special prosecutor investigating the matter.
"Well, what happened to me was worse," Prince said. "People acting for political reasons disclosed not only the existence of a very sensitive program but my name along with it."
With his auto parts inheritance, Prince founded Blackwater in 1997 along with former colleagues from the Navy SEALs. After the Sept. 11 attacks, the company quickly developed a presence providing security and later won a lucrative contract to protect diplomats in Iraq.
A September 2007 shooting in a Baghdad square that led to federal charges against company contractors triggered outrage in Iraq and the United States and prompted the eventual State Department decision not to renew Blackwater's contract protecting diplomats in Iraq. Executives at the company bemoaned that the work had tarnished the company's image.
"The experience we've had would certainly be a disincentive to any other companies that want to step in and put their entire business at risk," Prince said in a 2008 interview with The Associated Press.
The company's work for the U.S. government was lucrative. The Iraq contract at one point consisted of one-third of company revenues, and executives have for years been eyeing a goal of $1 billion in annual revenues, although the privately owned company does not release financial figures.
Prince announced earlier this year that he would relinquish involvement in the company's day-to-day business as part of a management shake-up, and company spokeswoman Stacy DeLuke said Wednesday that Prince also plans to give up some of his ownership rights. He is considering becoming a high school teacher.
Joseph Yorio, recently a vice president at DHL and a former Army special forces officer, is Xe Services new president. Danielle Esposito, who has worked within Xe for nearly 10 years, is serving as chief operating officer and executive vice president. The CEO position has not been filled.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Big developing states reject Copenhagen climate plan Reuters - 2 hours 44 minutes ago
Doctors warned to ignore patients' online flirting AP - 2 hours 46 minutes ago
NATO chief: Allies will provide 5,000 more troops AP - 2 hours 57 minutes ago
Stolen remains of Austrian billionaire returned AP - 2 hours 57 minutes ago
Afghanistan welcomes new Obama strategy AFP - Thursday, December 3
News Search
Top Stories
Polanski to be bailed Friday: Swiss official
Europe agrees to cross-border financial oversight
US private sector sheds more jobs than expected
Sperm genes could explain why women live longer
Three out of 10 Christmas lights unsafe: EU
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets plunge on debt woes
WHO changes HIV treatment advice
Dubai World to restructure parts of group including Nakheel
Trade ministers disagree on WTO Doha talks
Early intervention aids children with autism: study
More Most Viewed »
Global stocks mixed amid Dubai debt crisis
Tiny magnetic discs could kill cancer cells: study
Alcohol helps cut heart disease risk for men: study
Mankind using Earth's resources at alarming rate
Dubai blackout over debt plans to hit Gulf markets
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Thursday, 3 December 2009
Iran whistleblower died from drug-laced salad
German Nazi guard trial postponed by illness: court
EA sees fewer game titles
Polanski to be bailed Friday: Swiss official
Europe agrees to cross-border financial oversight
Iran won't talk to West on nuclear program
US private sector sheds more jobs than expected
Online spending up five percent on Cyber Monday: comScore
Sperm genes could explain why women live longer
Another Iraq election law veto looms amid impasse
Google offers online news compromise
Dell to sell Polish plant to Taiwan's Foxconn
Three out of 10 Christmas lights unsafe: EU
NATO says allies will help US surge in Afghanistan
Three arrested for online 'ginger-bashing'
NATO chief urges allies to fill Afghan shortfallNATO chief urges allies to fill Afghan shortfall
Nokia predicts rebound of global mobile phone sales in 2010
Israel strips more Palestinians of Jerusalem status
Avoid flirty patients on Facebook, doctors told
Former PM's brother punches reporter
Yahoo expands integration with Facebook
Nokia predicts rebound of global mobile phone sales in 2010
Gays and transsexuals can't enter heaven: cardinal
| International
|
Google offers online news compromise
| Technology
|
Marines hold hearing for officer on Iraq deaths
Geithner says $700B bailout program will end soon
Suicide bomber kills one in Pakistan navy HQ attack
EA sees fewer game titles
| Technology
|
Report: 2,600 bodies found in Kashmir graves
Web retail a bright spot in tepid U.S. holiday season
| Technology
|
Blackwater founder Prince feels thrown under bus
Suicide bomber kills 1 at navy complex in Pakistan
New stem cell lines approved for tax-paid research
EU to give more funding to Khmer Rouge tribunal
Orszag: Health care efficiencies may take decades
World Bank to loan India $1 billion to clean up Ganges
Ohio suspect's old home searched for more bodies
Australia's carbon-trading legislation fails
No Australia poll in wake of climate law defeat
NY teen guilty of hate crime in Ecuadorean's death
A look at the 2010 Buick LaCrosse
FDIC: Poor, minorities struggle to access banks
US commander: Offer Taliban chance to end fight
Japanese painter Hirayama dies at 79
2 Chinese tourists die in Thai boating accident
Lamy warns March breakthrough needed for 2010 Doha deal
World Bank to help clean India's Ganges
Cambodia set to build 1st stock market
Experts: Harper's 1st visit to China to thaw ties
Japan premier, BOJ chief agree to fight deflation
Activists: Despair in NKorea over currency change
Japan PM, central bank vow joint effort on economy
Gold strikes record high above $1,217 an ounce
Pakistani stocks end higher; rupee weakens
Susan Boyle makes smash debut on U.S. album charts
| Entertainment
|
Japan's 'modern geisha' to form labour union
Swiss say Roman Polanski house arrest to begin Friday
| Entertainment
|
Actress Meredith Baxter says she's a lesbian
| Entertainment
|
Susan Boyle album debuts at No.1 in U.S. charts
Simon Cowell gambling on Internet Vegas talent show
| Entertainment
|
Real Madrid to launch lingerie line
Walters' 'Fascinating People' include Jackson kids
More Privacy Features To Be Added To Facebook
Croatian conductor Vjekoslav Sutej dies aged 58
Former University Of Miami Spokesperson Sentenced For Child Porn
Man Of Color Misreads 'No Color's' Sign
Swiss say Roman Polanski house arrest to begin Friday
Boy Survives Sliding Glass Door Accident, Has Arm Re-Attached
Defamation lawsuit against Dixie Chicks dismissed
Man Fondles Teen; Says Checking For Breast Cancer
Foot, Bloody Clothes Found In Missing Boy's Backyard
McChrystal Gives Full Support For New Afghan Strategy; GOP Warns Against Timelines
Strike forces Paris museums to close
Former Editor, Reporter Sue NY Post For Racism, Sexism
Longtime Tennessee Congressman, John Tanner To Retire
Swiss to place Polanski under house arrest Friday
Susan Boyle makes chart history with No.1 debut
Man Who Killed Family Members At Thanksgiving Dinner Was Invited By Father
Indonesia bans "war crimes" film Balibo
What Did Jesus Do? Christ Kicked Out Of Court
Man Of Color Misreads 'No Color's' Sign
Entire Police Force In Maguindanao Relieved As Part Of Massacre Probe
US-TECH Summary
Man Fondles Teen; Says Checking For Breast Cancer
1 In 2 Australian Adults Feel It's Okay For Children To Drink
Remains, Coffin Of German Billionaire Found In Hungary
Texas Inmate Escapes Custody During Transfer
Saudis Clamp Down On 'Cross Dressers'
Animal Aliyah: Jewish Immigration To The Holy Land Extends To Pets
"America's Toughest Sheriff" Heckled Off Stage At Journalism Forum By Singing Protestors
New EU foreign policy chief faces MEP critics
Israeli police arrest settler leader in West Bank
Honduran Congress votes against Zelaya's return
| International
|
Washington Times firing 370 employees, Miami Herald 24
Iran frees five detained British yachtsmen
Comcast to announce NBC Universal deal: source
NATO allies face U.S. pressure on Afghan troops
| International
|
US seeks to reassure Pakistan in fight against extremists
ECB seen signalling easing of crisis measures
Rebel S.Ossetia frees two Georgian teens, jails two others
Susan Boyle Scores Biggest Debut Week Of The Year On Billboard Albums Chart
Islamists claim Russian train bombing
Former Miss Argentina Dies Of Cosmetic Surgery
Bank of America to repay $45 billion to US
U.S. court jails Mexico drug kingpin for 27 years
| International
|
MySpace hopes high as launches music site in UK
James Woods Settles Negligence Case With Hospital
Karzai welcomes US timeline, Taliban escalate war
More Venezuelan private banks targeted: Chavez
| International
|
Officials: Iraq likely to postpone election
Iran to enrich uranium to higher level
Japan party threatens to leave government over U.S. base
| International
|
Jennifer Lopez's Ex-Husband Barred From Releasing Private Videos
Toxic chemicals found in a third of children's toys: study
Tiger Woods Escapes Criminal Charge, To Pay $164 Fine Over One-Car Crash
Microsoft revamps Bing online maps
Fed sees signs of improving job market, overall economy
Anthony Michael Hall Won't Be Charged Over Row With Ex-Girlfriend
Six injured in South Korean explosion
| International
|
Cisco, Juniper gear vulnerable to hacking: U.S. govt
Elisabeth Hasselbeck Sued Again By Same Author
Redbox talking with video game makers
Actor Patrick Swayze Honored With Scholarship
BBC Suspends Production Company For "Faked" Scenes On Reality Shows
Russia recession likely to dominate Putin phone-in
| International
|
Pete Doherty May Be Questioned Over A Murder Case
EBay and Craigslist battle heads to court
Struggling media will need government help: US congressman
Judge rejects Amazon bid to scrap Google pact
Nokia predicts rebound of global mobile phone sales in 2010
India's "death factory" leaves toxic legacy 25 years on
Six injured in South Korean explosion
More unidentified bodies surface at Ill. cemetery
Court: Mass criminal immigration hearings unlawful
One dead in S.Korea weapons blast: ministry
Fort Hood suspect charged with attempted murder
Judge won't end order targeting voter intimidation
Australian PM shrugs off climate bill defeat
University turns iPhones into musical instruments
| Technology
|
60 hurt in S.Korea defence institute blast: Yonhap
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,367
EBay and Craigslist battle heads to court
| Technology
|
China busts huge crystal meth gang: report
NYC tree lighting ushers in tourist season
Obama's Afghan plan represents high-stakes gamble
New Mexico man arrested in infant daughter's death
New Zealand PM to attend Copenhagen climate summit
Bhopal protests on 25th anniversary of toxic leak
Army officer, relatives sentenced in bribery plot
Evidence blocked arrest of imam with Fort Hood tie
MySpace hopes high as launches music site in UK
| Technology
|
S.Korea says N.Korea seeks to buy time to make nukes
Redbox talking with video game makers
| Technology
|
Judge rejects Amazon bid to scrap Google pact
| Technology
|
Cisco, Juniper gear vulnerable to hacking: U.S. govt
| Technology
|
Seoul shares rise 1.5 pct; LG Elec, shipyards gain
Trading in China's SAIC suspended
Delta sticks to offer to JAL for alliance
NZ commodity prices surge in November-survey
Seoul shares rise; refiners fall, shipyards gain
Peugeot to take control of Mitsubishi: report
S.Korea LPG firms face record $579 million fine
Seoul shares open 0.4 pct higher; refiners down
Beijing to hike water price to fight shortage: report
Beyonce leads Grammys, Taylor Swift close behind
Urban League Says TARP Funds Could Create 3 Million Jobs
Beyonce leads Grammys, Taylor Swift close behind
| Entertainment
|
Jackson kids among most fascinating of 2009
| Entertainment
|
MySpace Music debuts in Britain
Stricker urges Woods to air more of his private turmoil
| Entertainment
|
Holiday Spending For 2009 Assisted By Cyber Monday Up Over Last Year
Sundance lifts curtain on 2010 competition films
| Entertainment
|
Sprint Gives Government Easy Access To GPS Tracking Data
Taylor Swift inks Comcast video-on-demand deal
| Entertainment
|
Sundance festival shines light on Bhutto, Afghanistan
Four plead not guilty to celebrity burglaries
| Entertainment
|
CEO of Country Music Association leaving
Taylor Swift inks Comcast video-on-demand deal
Top 10 most-watched shows of the decade
| Entertainment
|
Jackson kids among "most fascinating" of 2009
"True Blood" casts vampire, werewolf
Arcade Fire plots spring tour
| Entertainment
|
Jack Cooke, bandmate of Ralph Stanley, dead at 72
Sundance lifts curtain on 2010 competition films
Top 10 most-watched shows of the decade
US says Afghan pullout date not fixed
Syria says Iran bus blast an accident, 3 dead
Siemens reports quarterly loss of 1 bln euros
University turns iPhones into musical instruments
McChrystal tells Afghans U.S. not leaving yet
| International
|
Europe's growth out of recession confirmed
Syria blast was 'not terrorist act': minister
EU navy arrests 13 pirates off Oman
Putin tells Russians he's here to stay
| International
|
Suicide bomber kills three Somali government ministers
| International
|
Putin accuses US of hindering Russia's WTO bid
Iraq election decision postponed until Sunday
| International
|
Russia police find bomb near train station: reports
| International
|
Israel think-tank warns EU off Swedish proposal
| International
|
Syria bus blast kills 3, terrorism ruled out
Italy to send reinforcements to Afghanistan
Pakistan kills 15 militants in restive northwest
| International
|
Serbia raids homes of suspected Mladic helpers
| International
|
China announces more death sentences for Xinjiang riot
| International
|
Philippine media may seek U.N. role in massacre probe
| International
|
PM Gilani does not think bin Laden in Pakistan
Sri Lanka group counts war casualties
How the poll on digital abuse was conducted
Turkmen leader pardons nearly 4,000 prisoners
Google CEO says not to blame for news media woes
| Technology
|
Poll finds sexting common among young people
Nepal ministers gather for Everest meeting
Bhopal protests on 25th anniversary of gas leak
Blessed are the conservative in Bible translation
A comparison of Bible verse interpretations
Obama to host jobs summit
Pakistanis kill 15 militants in northwest clashes
The nation's weather
Tests suggest 5 women raped in Philippine massacre
Analysis: Afghanistan pullout date not definite
China 'sentences five to death' over Urumqi riots
N.Korea military on guard against unrest: reports
Obama rejoining economic debate with jobs summit
2 tons of snakes, tortoises seized in Cambodia
Pentagon e-mails suggest distrust over ally Canada
EADS India JV proposal rejected: Indian partner
UAE bank chief says market overreacted to Dubai
Peugeot Citroen, Mitsubishi in parternship talks
Jackson film not part of Sony's new 3-D vision
Activists: Despair in N.Korea over currency change
Ronnie Wood arrested on suspicion of assault
| Entertainment
|
ANA, Continental, United to merge key routes: report
Tiger Woods admits transgressions, apologizes
| Entertainment
|
South Korea plans 2010 Incheon Int'l Airport IPO
World Bank chief talks up Asia role in recovery
Japan manufacturers' capital spend down 40 percent
ABC cancels Adam Lambert's Kimmel performance
| Entertainment
|
Indonesian journalists to defy 'Balibo' ban
`Twilight,' `Sopranos' stars bound for Sundance
Globalisation clouds vision of Israel's Negev desert
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
ABC cancels Adam Lambert's "Kimmel" performance
Couture must juggle the creative with the commercial
Legendary Bollywood singer given France's top award
Chopin's homeland, a magnet for Asian musical talent
Dance's Twyla Tharp gives lessons in collaboration
Beyonce tops Grammy nominations with 10 nods
Musicians overjoyed at Grammy nominations
Son Attacks Father For Loud Snoring
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights