The memo also said that Mr. Furlong had a history of delving into outlandish intelligence schemes, including an episode in 2008, when American officials expelled him from Prague for trying to clandestinely set up computer servers for propaganda operations. Some officials say they believe that the C.I.A. is trying to scuttle the operation to protect its own turf, and that the spy agency has been embarrassed because the contractors are outperforming C.I.A. operatives . . .
To skirt military restrictions on intelligence gathering, information the contractors gather in eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal areas is specifically labeled “atmospheric collection”: information about the workings of militant groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan or about Afghan tribal structures. The boundaries separating “atmospherics” from what spies gather is murky. It is generally considered illegal for the military to run organized operations aimed at penetrating enemy organizations with covert agents.
Amusing and even predictable. DoD let the Lockmart contract lapse this month. Still, an ‘investigation’ will result in nothing but a pile of dead trees (and overly ornate PDF file).
Once again Dewey Clarridge pops up like a telemarketer at dinnertime. North by contrast channelled his energies into churning out awful television. Nice to know DoD, Petreaus and Lockmart hired a Czech company to assist intelligence operations (putting a retired senior U.S. General who helped start it all on the payroll).
This Administration will do nothing. No one’s clearances will be revoked. No letters of reprimand. After all, a Tampa-based CENTCOM lawyer said it was kosher. Haven’t we seen *that* dance before? Holder probably has everyone involved on ‘call block.’
Congress in its heart of hearts wonders what’s the fuss? Of more concern is why aren’t more Czech holding entities U.S. front companies showing up at breakfast fund raisers?
Thank goodness one no let it slip to the Pakistanis. Imagine if Pakistanis realized American mercenaries and drones were operating in their country. Killing 20-30 people at a time with – to Americans – monotonous regularity. Even a non-radicalized Taliban faction Pakistani eventually might get pissed off. That kind of ‘nut’ could over react to those few silly drone fusillades and other “war” stuff. And suggest someone go buy propane. Or something.
Dr Leo Strauss says
FBI now using Clarridge’s private network in Afghanistan. Heads he wins. Tails we lose.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/world/asia/01clarridge.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Someone is audacious, and the first letter of his names aren’t B or O.
Dr Leo Strauss says
Clapper’s qualifications for the post-Blair sinecure burnished. Clapper never really clicking the ‘like’ button for a meaningful ODNI.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/09/us/politics/09intel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Comment says
We suspect that Manning probably had traditional red state notions about state infallibility (when ruled by Dubya) and then he saw some s*** that just blew his mind – but we guess most of the stuff he saw that was not that bad and would not have shocked the non naive – Then he prob saw some, real some bad stuff. Then the helicopter footage just tipped him over. Instead of directing his disillusions violently (as Tim McVeigh did)- he did it by leaking. But his lack of discretion when speaking with a hacker showed his heart was still not committed.
Dr Leo Strauss says
@Comment
Yeah, with the right agent there’s a reality tv show gig in there somewhere.
Comment says
This is a revealing quote – indicting a Okie at war with himself a bit. No true rebel would namecheck ‘Climategate’ alongside all that other stuff:
“Everywhere there’s a U.S. post, there’s a diplomatic scandal that will be revealed,” Manning wrote. “It’s open diplomacy. World-wide anarchy in CSV format. It’s Climategate with a global scope, and breathtaking depth. It’s beautiful, and horrifying.”-Manning
But he has literary flair.
Dr Leo Strauss says
Wikileaks source shoots off mouth, commits hari-kiri. But this kid can’t be the only one.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/06/leak/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29
Comment says
We always think of Lutwakk and his “concern” about Obama being rejected by Moslems for his Christian “conversion.” He was up to his old tricks.
Dr Leo Strauss says
Luttwak sums it up: Blair never knew how weak his hand was.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-05-23/an-admiral-outmaneuvered/?cid=hp:exc
Comment says
While it seems to us the idea of a written pact with France seems risky and at best premature – politically it seems funny that the Dem admin is playing the role for Freedom Fries and the Adm is the cheese eating wine drinker. It’s a health switch.
Dr Leo Strauss says
On a related note, same as it ever was, same as it ever was . . .
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/21/us/politics/21intel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Dr Leo Strauss says
Freedom fries!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/22/us/politics/22intel.html