Pakistan's intelligence agency 'is like a woman with multiple lovers' (*Must read*)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20080802/wl_mcclatchy/3007280 ^

[Arjun]

Pakistan's intelligence agency 'is like a woman with multiple lovers'

By Saeed Shah, McClatchy Newspapers Fri Aug 1, 8:25 PM ET

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency is often portrayed as a rogue operator whose agents pursue their own agendas. In fact, the ISI, as it's known, is part of the Pakistani military, headed by a senior Army general and subject to the military chain of command.

"It's a very disciplined organization, but with a very large freedom of action. When they get a policy directive, they have certain room for maneuver, keeping the interests of the state in view," said Shujaat Ali Khan , a retired general who used to head the internal wing of the ISI, which has functions of the U.S. CIA, the FBI and other agencies.

Although it nominally reports to the prime minister, the ISI answers to the Army chief, said Khan. Pakistan's Army needs to serve the U.S.— which provides it with billions of dollars of military aid, not including covert assistance that goes directly to the ISI— but it has contradictory interests, too, and they include supporting the Taliban and other militant Islamic groups that are hostile to the U.S.

[tanuki]

Great post! Very enlightening information regarding the Pakistanis. While I appreciate the ‘subtleties’ of international relations, the Pakistanis need to realize-if something like 9/11 happens again, the US won’t just stop at the border. They may not want us as a friend, but they do not want us as an enemy.

[Impy]

Interesting analogy.

[musicman]

[fso301]

"The Karzai government is totally in the hands of India ," said Khalid Khawaja

I suspect this comes as news to a lot of folks around here. Funny how across mohammedom, the muslim nations view neighboring non-muslim nations as hostile.

[libertylover]

When they get a policy directive, they have certain room for maneuver...

Not really a directive, I guess it's more of a "suggestion". But I understand this completely-because I've got two cats.

[ViLaLuz]

People from that part of the world tend to patronize with whoever gives them money or power. They can switch “loyalties” at the drop of a hat. Their only loyalty is to themselves.

Just typical of human nature.

[Arjun]

Well yes but this nation is somewhat unique in that the US has bribed Musharraf now for a long time and its fair to say that the US stands double crossed.