Adm. Mullen’s words on Pakistan come under scrutiny

[alp227]

Source: The Washington Post

Adm. Mike Mullen’s assertion last week that an anti-American insurgent group in Afghanistan is a “veritable arm” of Pakistan’s spy service was overstated and contributed to overheated reactions in Pakistan and misperceptions in Washington, according to American officials involved in U.S. policy in the region.

The internal criticism by the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they did not want to challenge Mullen openly, reflects concern over the accuracy of Mullen’s characterizations at a time when Obama administration officials have been frustrated in their efforts to persuade Pakistan to break its ties to Afghan insurgent groups.

The administration has long sought to pressure Pakistan, but to do so in a nuanced way that does not sever the U.S. relationship with a country that American officials see as crucial to winning the war in Afghanistan and maintaining long-term stability in the region.

Mullen’s testimony to a Senate committee was widely interpreted as an accusation by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that Pakistan’s military and espionage agencies sanction and direct bloody attacks against U.S. troops and targets in Afghanistan. Such interpretations prompted new levels of indignation among senior officials in both the United States and Pakistan.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/adm-mullens-words-on-pakistan-come-under-scrutiny/2011/09/27/gIQAHPJB3K_singlePage.html

[mallard]

1. Re: veritable psy-ops

Like all those proof positive photos of Bin Laden upon capture, this type of exagerations seem to keep the Pakistanis on their toes. Mullen's words carry more weight than this 'minor' correction, too. Maybe it's just a budget-cutting strategy or excuse to further satiate the 'anti-stani' crowd.

[No Elephants]

2. It didn't ring true when I first heard about it. I am so tired of bullshit from

various places in government.

These fuckers need to stop deceiving us and stop classifying stuff simply because it might make them look bad or upset somebody.

We are the employers and financiers of ALL government.

That is the very LEAST the fuckers owe us.

[cosmicone]

3. Mike Mullen was absolutely correct.

All insurgent groups in Pakistan are founded, funded, armed, trained and launched by the ISI.

It is well known in intelligence circles around the world and India and Afghanistan who are the main victims of this have stated this repeatedly.

Unfortunately, the "ally mentality" made American diplomatic and military mandarins overlook the glaring truth.

I am glad it is being exposed and Pakistan will be punished for it.

[Kolesar]

4. I agree eom

[No Elephants]

5. With all due respect, I tend to doubt you are in a position to know what is absolutely correct .

Neither am I. Even Obama isn't.


Each poster can only express his or her own belief, based on what we've heard and read and whom we trust.

ETA: From the OP article:

"Mullen’s language “overstates the case,” said a senior Pentagon official with access to classified intelligence files on Pakistan, because there is scant evidence of direction or control."


Some people were sure Iraq had WMD's, too, based on, among other things, Tenet's statement that that conclusion was a "slam dunk." That was overstating the case, too.

Is there some truth to it? Probably. Is it exactly as Mullen said and is there evidence to back up exactly what he said? Who knows, but I doubt it.

[cosmicone]

6. I understand your point but,

1. It is a well-known fact that Pakistan wants to control Afghanistan as soon as the Americans leave,
2. Pakistan has always wanted to control Afghanistan as its "strategic depth policy"
3. It is a well-known fact that Pakistani ISI founded, funded, armed, recruited, trained and directed the so called "Taliban"
4. It is a well-known fact that Pakistan carried out the bombing of the Indian embassy in Kabul (because they are afraid of India controlling Afghanistan)

Given these facts, and then asking the question, "Who had the most to gain by ambushing American officers?" the answer is resoundingly Pakistan. It certainly isn't the tooth fairy or the Santa Claus that benefit by such an action.

Motive, means, opportunity -- Pakistan did it.

Comparison with WMDs in Iraq is a different ballgame. That was concocted by a crooked administration, particularly Vader Cheney to control oil. Pakistan has no oil and no commercial interest issue.