Global Guerrillas: PIERCING THE CORPORATE VEIL:

“Jeffrey Ake, the CEO of Equipment Express, has become a poster-boy for this conflict.  His visit to Iraq -- to manage his company's water and cooking oil bottling operation -- placed him squarely the cross-hairs of his guerrilla competitors. 

The problem is that these new competitors don't play by the Queensbury Rules of American business. 

The CEO as an Objective of War

CEO kidnapping isn't new.  It is common practice in Brazil, Mexico, etc.  The difference in Iraq is the motive.  In Iraq, it isn't purely financial gain.  It is being used as a way to unravel the fledgeling Iraqi government.

Here's why.  America's second largest ally in Iraq isn't the UK.  Not even close.  Corporations like Halliburton provide almost as many trigger pullers and engineers as the US Army.  They are the battalions of foot soldiers in Thomas Barnett's sys-admin force -- connecting Iraq to the US and the world. 

This role converts CEOs into generals/colonels in the US globalization machine (leaders of new entrants in the rapidly expanding long tail of warfare).  They are now legitimate and highly prized targets. ”

-- via Global Guerrillas