This isn't just a rhetorical question. There certainly may be reasons I'm not aware of. But why does Blackwater need silencers in Iraq? If they're conducting offensive missions, sniping, raids, etc., it would make sense. But for purely defensive security missions protecting State Department employees? Again, not just a rhetorical question -- it's certainly not my area of expertise. I'd be curious to hear from folks who know more about the subject.

The fact they appear to have smuggled them into the country doesn't weigh heavily in favor of an innocent explanation.