About Me

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I saw active service in conventional, clandestine and covert units of the South African Defence Force. I was the founder of the Private Military Company (PMC) Executive Outcomes in 1989 and its chairman until I left in 1997. Until its closure in 1998, EO operated primarily in Africa helping African governments that had been abandoned by the West and were facing threats from insurgencies, terrorism and organised crime. EO also operated in South America and the Far East. I believe that only Africans (Black and White) can truly solve Africa’s problems. I was appointed Chairman of STTEP International in 2009 and also lecture at military colleges and universities in Africa on defence, intelligence and security issues. Prior to the STTEP International appointment, I served as an independent politico-military advisor to several African governments. Until recently, I was a contributing editor to The Counter Terrorist magazine. All comments in line with the topics on this blog are welcome. As I consider this to be a serious look at military and security matters, foul language and political or religious debates will not be entertained on this blog.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR

As 2008 reaches its end and the New Year is about to begin, I somehow suspect that we will all be in for a rough ride in the next 12 months. Wars, talks of wars and an escalation in crime is something we shall all have to live with. Africa will continue to be plagued by dissent and conflicts, fuelled by whoever has something to gain from them.

The UN will carry on talking, formulate new resolutions, pay itself handsomely and continue to do nothing. It will call for ceasefires and thus win time for rebel forces to rearm themselves before they continue their actions. It will condemn any PMC who is contracted by a legitimate government to bring about an end to a conflict. After all, peace is a bad thing for the UN, especially in these times of a global economic meltdown.

Over the past month-and-a-half, this blog has covered some controversial issues and some topical issues. I shall continue with the same in 2009, despite some criticism.

I hope that the coming year will be a good year for all of my followers and visitors alike. May the path you walk be free from crime, conflict and war – and of the UN.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you and receiving your comments.

Happy New Year.

10 comments:

Tango said...

Happy New Year
May the path you walk also be free from crime, conflict and war – and of the UN.
Kyk Net Noord !

Sonny Cox said...

Prosperous New Year Eben and Chris.
From Billy Cox.
Wish James was here to light our fireworks at 00:00
One day we will all be together again!
Let's Tango on the Kaplyn......

Sonny Cox said...

GREAT 2009 TO YOU ALL....
EBEN CHRIS and the Buddies we had to leave for higher duties.
Let's Tango on the Kaplyn once more.
Billy Cox

Aethyr said...

Happy New Year, Eeben! Stay safe and Take care!

Prosit Neujahr!

bulletbunny said...

happy new year barlow to you and your comrades
may your friends prosper;
may your enemies suffer;
and may the fakes in your life be cursed with un postings and damning front page headlines

Grumbleguts said...

To Eeben:
Happy New year to you and the family. Thanks for the good posts.

To Enemies of this blog:
May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits forever.

Robby Noel said...

All the best for 09 keep on doing what you are doing ...ring out the false, ring in the true...Lord Alfred Tennyson, 1850

Soutbok said...

Thanks Eeben. Just returned to the US from vacation in S.A. A strange thing happened. I was browsing around a bookstore in Hermanus, looking for any new books on SA military etc. I found your book and did a quick scan, noting some ex SAAf pilot colleagues ( I flew in the SAAF for 6 years, notably Arthur Walker in one of the photos. I had just walked out of the store, when in front of me I see none less than Arthur Walker! We exchanged pleasantries - Arthur was as hunble as ever ( S.A has no idea who their true heroes are - Arthur is one of them) and I then doubled back to the store and bought the book. So thank Arthur for at least one sale! I found the book fascinating, but more importantly, it helped me settle questions that had plagued me for years on the war. ( what were we doing there, who were the true profiteers, was Savimbi the good guy or not etc etc.) I too lost many friends - my best mate, that I had lived in the same room with at boarding school, Lt Richard Glynn, was taken out by a SAM 8 in Sept of 87, for starters. Thanks for showing the world the truth. Your book must have taken a huge amount of energy, with all the detail and various examples you site.

jobcompany said...

Eeben .. it's been years, I wanted to send you my best regards to your work with Executive Outcomes ... I read a lot, and I am informed many really good ..... work .. I send you my most cordial and respect .... Men's .... your strenght and honor.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I wish I knew who you are! Please drop me a private message on the blog.

Many thanks for your good wishes.

Rgds,

Eeben