Watch part two

The legal drama surrounding five Blackwater Worldwide security contractors charged with killing Iraqi civilians is unfolding on two stages thousands of miles apart.

In Washington, the Justice Department is publishing the manslaughter indictment it obtained last week. And in Utah, the five guards are surrendering and question the legitimacy of the government's case.

Contracted to defend US diplomats, the firm says its guards acted in self-defence when they opened fire when ambushed by Baghdad insurgents.

Details of the charges are expected to be made public on Monday, with reports saying the men will surrender in Utah.

The Iraqi government has welcomed the move to hold "criminals accountable".

The killings have become a central issue in Iraq's relationship with the US and raised questions about the oversight of US contractors operating in war zones.

We ask whether the trial marks a redefining of the Baghdad-Washington relationship or if it is simply a tactic to absorb the anger of Iraqis.

What if such incidents are repeated under the newly-concluded security agreement between the US and Iraq?

This episode of Inside Story aired from Monday, December 8, 2008 at the following times GMT:
Monday: 1730, 2230; Tuesday: 0430, 0830