Blackwater and the CIA

I don't know the truth, or the level of shared involvement between Blackwater and the CIA, but the two relevant context points I see are 1) Blackwater has a vested interest in appearing linked to the CIA because it offers some justification and cover in the growing number of civil lawsuits they're facing.

And, 2) Since Leon Panetta took over, he's been making a big effort to try and step back from Blackwater and other contractors.

(If nothing else, the "contract award" process is probably a scandal.)