No, they are in fact considered useful, but they have their particular focus on the mideast and see things through that lens.
Clearly, though, Debka was right about the Iraqi WMDs, that we wouldn't find much, weren't they? I would suggest they are also right on where they went. Numerous sources, from others in Israel, reporters in Syria, and even including ISG former head David Kay and Tommy Franks deputy agrees.
Isn't it interesting how Colin Powell keeps running interference for Syria...even after he was let go?
I never knew Powell had that much influence.