Palestinian leader wants Blackwater to take over his security detail

RAMALLAH — Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas plans to replace his security detail with those trained by the United States.

PA sources said Abbas has been discussing the replacement of his personal security force with the Bush administration. They said the PA chairman wants a U.S. contractor to train his bodyguards in Western techniques and in the use of advanced equipment.

"Abu Mazen [Abbas] was very impressed by the security around President [George] Bush during his visit to Ramallah [in January 2008]," a PA source said. "Abbas has already discussed this with senior U.S. officials."

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