From PRI, Public Radio International and KCRW Santa Monica, this is To the Point.

Is warfare being contracted out by the Pentagon?

Hello again, I'm Arminolny, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues. Americans care about most.

The second largest force in Iraq is 100,000 private contractors, many performing jobs that soldiers used to do.

One of the largest is Blackwater USA, which has been called the world's most powerful mercenary army.

Supporters of privatization say it will be critical to the U.S. military for a long time to come.

Critics call it outsourcing war behind the backs of the American people. On to the point, is it a good deal for taxpayers?

Does it help soldiers do their real jobs? Is it a formula for conducting war without accountability?

On reporter's notebook later on, Antony and Cleopatra, was it beauty or duty?

First, here's the news.

Support for To the Point comes from subscribers of KCRW Santa Monica and from the Public Radio

International Program Fund, whose contributors include the Ford Foundation and the John

D. and Catherine T. MacArthur

Foundation. Hello again, Mormon Allie, back with To the Point. Democrats in Congress are taking a long

look at private contractors, the second largest force in Iraq. On To the Point, does outsourcing

help soldiers do their real jobs and save money? Does it allow for warfare without accountability?

On reporter's notebook,

if you think Antony and Cleopatra looked like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, think again.

First, this news update with the House expected to pass a resolution opposing an increase of troops in Iraq, President Bush today said he's glad it's non-binding. He said what he's concerned about is his upcoming request for more money.

Soon Congress is going to be able to vote on a piece of legislation that is binding.

A bill providing emergency funding for our troops.

...