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French terrorism official on Pakistan’s double game
A French official who conducted investigations in Pakistan adds more weight to charges that Pakistani intelligence officers are in bed with the Taliban and even with al Qaeda.
In a new book, What I Could Not Say, to be published next week in France, Jean-Louis Bruguiere says that he came away with the impression that some Pakistani officials don't even consider al Qaeda to be a terrorist organization, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. He is quoted as writing, "The central government has lost control of certain elements of the army and the ISI, an intelligence service that no longer has the trust of its foreign partners." French investigators in Pakistan also were physically intimidated, he charges.
Bruguiere now works in Washington on terrorism financing issues, the newspaper said.
(HT to Barnett Rubin)
Kash if/Flickr
- Middle East | al Qaeda | Intelligence | Pakistan | Taliban | Terrorism
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“Weapons speak to the wise, but in general they need interpreters.”
—Pindar, Olympian Odes
Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military for the Washington Post from 2000 through 2008.
Comments? Tips? Email ricksblog [at] cnas.org
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This is probably one of the
This is probably one of the most stunning revelations in the new book, "In the Graveyard of Empires" by Seth Jones. "Support" from elements of the ISI and Frontier Corps doesn't even mean some supplies here and there--in some cases, Jones makes the claim that it includes full-blown artillery support for raids.
Pakistan seems to have an interest in destabilizing Afghanistan--even if we do succeed in a full-blown counterinsurgency campaign, providing for long-term success against an insurgency with a very stable base in Pakistan seems to be even more difficult.
My guess is that there is
My guess is that there is nothing new here in this revelation which American and British intelligence officials didn’t already realize. What is new is this very public revelation by a respected member of the intelligence community of the double game being played by the ISI.
I would also imagine that Iraqi intelligence officials make sure that the Iranians are up to date on the latest comings and goings of their American partners. I know my SEAL (7th SEAL’s) officer son considered that all their operations done with the knowledge of the Iraqi police and army were compromised. It must be even worse in Afghanistan.
A few days ago Afghan police in an incident similar to the murder of American troops this summer gunned down three Guardsmen of the Grenadier Guards and two British Military Policemen. No amount of training will change the hearts of Afghan police and troops if they are not so inclined. This reminds me of the ARVN where no small number of the troops were actually VC.
it might be more appropriate
it might be more appropriate to say that the isi has lost control of their civilian puppets. the isi is just following the same policies it always has. and they are the government, at least in terms of carrying out Pakistan's foreign policies. the pakistanis are the least reliable entity that could ever be passed off as an "ally". Problem is, there's hardly an alternative. and there are civilian elements of the government that genuinely abhor the state's embrace of fanaticism. I don't think the Pakistanis will ever help us against the Afghan Taliban (who also work out of Pakistan) unless they are directly attacked by these groups. The military establishment won't allow it to happen. They are extremely paranoid about the US--or even more frightening, India--impinging on their "sovereignty" despite the fact that they have ceded control of massive swathes of their land to unreliable fanatics. Pakistan's support of the Taliban has now caused substantial blowback. They thought they could play a double game against both these folks and the United States. Funny thing is, the double game works against the US but not the Taliban. The more the Taliban pursue their goals (destabilizing the Pakistani state), the more Pakistan acts in our own interests. The Taliban are the only ones forcing the Pakistanis to be honest. With the exception of Hillary airing her doubts about the ISI recently, we have been mute on this issue. That needs to change. As she suggested, Pakistan alone can be responsible for what occurs on its territory. we should help them economically in any way we can assuming they begin to cooperate, but without getting rid of its Indian paranoia Pakistan has no modern future.
Well it is quite obvious.
Well it is quite obvious. Pakistan does not want a pro-India government in Afghanistan. It is that simple.
Let’s have another Crusade
It’s not news that “Pakistani intelligence officers [and many Gulf oligarchs] are in bed with the Taliban and even with al Qaeda.”
The “logic” supporting a counterinsurgency campaign in Afghanistan also supports regime change in Pakistan and the oil monarchies.
We’ve got no shortage of troops or money. Let’s go for it!
What do you think this is...
...if not a crusade?
A crusade?
They sell it to the foot soldiers and the general public as a crusade against Islamic extremism and for democracy.
But I think it’s primarily about a relative handful of closely-held business ventures involving hydrocarbons.
When you put it like that, it
When you put it like that, it sounds an awful lot like the Crusades...
Be affraid, Very Affraid
This kind of story has information warfare operations all over it.
Pakistani intelligence officers are in bed with the Taliban ...
This is the reiteration of a reality that everyone knows already. It is a common knowledge that underneath the high-sounding 'operation-talk' against the Taliban, Pakistan's 'core values' remain the same, i.e., encourage and patronize religious militancy.
The Pakistani army and ISI created the Taliban have fully protected them tooth and nail over the past many years. The Western powers need to reprioritize and review their respective policies.
Pakistan is playing a smart game; don't trust that country; move on and find new partners in the war against terrorism.
How about...
Guatemala?
Pakistan's Connection
ISI have evolved in to a powerful bunch of people, who have proved to be a seperate power centre in Pakistan. their activities include:
1. Drug deals 2. Arms supply to militants 3. Counterfeiting Currency. 4. Providing sanctury & training to militants including Al-Qaeda. 5. feeling the pulse of politicians / political parties in Pakistan 6. Destabilizing Afghanistan 7. Creating choas both with in Pakistan & India to keep their Army masters well provided with budgetary support.
8. Reporting to Suadi King to get more funds and promising to keep him safe from militant attacks. In Short they have their hands in every terror pie in the region & world.
"...their hands in every terror pie in the region and world."
When did Pakistan turn into a superpower? Maybe when we weren't looking.
God bless Ft. Hood, Tom.
God bless Ft. Hood, Tom. Any thoughts yet about lessons that can be learned? Any reflections yet about how it reflects on the state of the Army? Or is it too early to tell?
Ian