Nobody in this administration despises someone who makes decisions like Erik Prince does more than 'The Won' himself. He and his organization have been maligned by everyone in the media for getting the job they were hired to do done.

I found the article to be very informative. Too bad we don't have more like Prince leading the country. He should be given a medal.

A few things jump out after reading the VF article:

1) Eat your heart out New York Times. Vanity Fair's writer produced an excellent expos'e of Prince and his company's missions.

2) The fact that the CIA had a longtime "contract" with Prince as an ASSET should prevent the U.S. government from finding a bus big enough throw Prince under. And I would wager that Prince has plenty of "good stuff" our government would prefer to keep buried in archives longer than the Kennedy assassination.

3) While the word above the entire story (scandal) may be used to entice the reader, it hardly defuses who is really culpable or complicit in Prince's "sanctioned undertakings".

Bottom line, no one wants to admit that in the history of wars, there is always "the dirty side" where men are asked to go beyond the lines to disrupt, (and kill), the enemy with only a wink and a nod. (Of course, Mr. Phelps, this tape will self-destruct in five seconds).

Vanity Fair may call this a scandal, and Obama's "babys" in the DOJ may attempt to crucify Prince. But, in my opinion, the man is a Patriot.

If Prince wanted to get in good standing with Obama all he would have to do is follow Ayers' lead and bomb the Pentagon.

When U.S. Military Commanders Say "Fire At Will", Our Troops Have To ask " Which One's Will"
A few examples:
• No night or surprise searches.
• Villagers are to be warned prior to searches.
• Afghan National Army, or ANA, or Afghan National Police, or ANP, must accompany U.S. units on searches.
• U.S. soldiers may not fire at insurgents unless they are preparing to fire first.
• U.S. forces cannot engage insurgents if civilians are present.
• Only women can search women.
• Troops can fire on insurgents if they catch them placing an IED but not if insurgents walk away from where the explosives are.

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

OT, but most reports of Grant's supposed drunkeness during the war were highly exaggerated.

Fascinating story. And Garandfan, that was the first thing that crossed my mind.