U.S. Losing Its Trust In Key Ally Pakistan

White House Withholds Intelligence From Islamabad For Fear Of Leaks To Militants; Pakistan Rejects Any Links

(CBS/AP)  CBS News has learned that the U.S. military, for the past four months, has routinely withheld advanced information from Pakistani authorities on attacks carried out in Pakistan's border region targeting al Qaeda and Taliban suspects, for fear the information could be leaked to militants, according to a high-level European defense official in Islamabad.

The official told CBS News' Farhan Bokhari the Bush administration is demanding a comprehensive revamp of Pakistan's powerful counter-espionage agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), before Washington will resume full intelligence cooperation with its valuable Asian ally.

In the latest secret operation, Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar, also known as Abu Khabab al-Masri - a leading al Qaeda chemical and biological weapons expert, was killed in a U.S. missile strike early Monday morning at a remote location in Pakistan's Waziristan region, which borders Afghanistan.

"Information of this attack was shared very late with Pakistan. This was a case where the U.S. did not want to alert the Pakistanis in advance because of concerns over information leaks," said the European official, whose country has contributed troops to the NATO coalition force in Afghanistan. He spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information.

The revelation on the Bush administration's toughening stance on its long-time ally in the war against Islamic extremism came as Pakistani officials angrily denied a newspaper report that its intelligence service helped plan a bombing of India's embassy in Kabul that killed at least 41 people.

The New York Times reported for Friday's editions that American intelligence agencies have concluded that members of the ISI were involved in the July 7 attack in the Afghan capital.

The report cited unnamed U.S. government officials. It said the conclusion was based on intercepted communications between Pakistani intelligence officers and militants who carried out the attack.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammed Sadiq described the report as "total rubbish." He said there was no evidence of ISI involvement.

"The foreign newspapers keep writing such things against ISI, and we reject these allegations," he said by telephone from a summit of south Asian leaders in Sri Lanka.

But the European defence official told CBS News the U.S. was seeking comprehensive changes in the ISI's structure. “What the U.S. wants is a revamp, especially among the ISI's units which deal with areas along the Afghan border. Additionally, the U.S. wants to see new structures in place for closer oversight on people in the field. Basically, within the ISI, there has to be a strong internal affairs unit, of a kind," he said.

One senior Pakistani official, who also spoke to Bokhari on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. military campaign in Afghanistan "is failing, the militants are gaining ground. The U.S. and others are just pointing fingers towards others."

Afghanistan has long accused the ISI of backing the Taliban-led insurgency wracking the country, despite Pakistan's support of the U.S.-led war on terror. The embassy bombing was the deadliest in Kabul since the 2001 ouster of the Islamist regime in a U.S. invasion.

Western diplomats based in Islamabad told CBS News last week that the cross-border tension presents a major dilemma for U.S. policymakers, as the Bush administration tries to get the two countries to cooperate in the war on terror.

In the seven years since the U.S. toppled the Taliban regime and installed Afghan President Hamid Karzai Karzai as its frontline ally, American officials have worked hard to bring Afghanistan and Pakistan closer to each other, without much success.

While Pakistani leaders have said repeatedly they want closer ties with their neighbor, their claims have been questioned due to growing activity by Islamic militants linked to al Qaeda and the Taliban, who use Pakistan's tribal areas along the border as staging grounds to launch attacks on Afghan and Western troops in Afghanistan.

Last week, India accused "elements of Pakistan" of being behind the embassy blast and said it has put the four-year-old peace process between historic rivals India and Pakistan - who have fought three wars since they won independence from Britain 60 years ago - "under stress."

The latest accusations came as south Asian leaders, including those from India, Afghanistan and Pakistan, gathered for the meeting on regional cooperation in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said Thursday the south Asian countries were expected to sign a pact to work together to fight terrorism and to freeze funds used for terror attacks.

[winnerindia]

CBS news has nothing else to do except doing propaganda against Pakistan in order to raise tensions between the public of the two neighbors (India & Pak).
If India is silent, who gave CBS the right to shout against them?
We, the Indians are happy and we are not requesting you to shout again and again, over and over. This topic is now obsolete.

[nextgenman]

This is the same ISI Reagan used to fund those glorious Mujahedeen Freedom Fighters and Bin Laden that turned into the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

I thought NEORINOs loved Freedom Fighters and the ISI? Pakistan is our ally in the War on Terror, right?

[wardoglrs]

Here we again turning on our so called allies. This is just a reminder to see how faithful the US is to the world. Its no wonder the world will turn its back and not invest in this Pro Israel Neo Con F**Ked up Zionist supporting anti Market anti Freedom anti goodwill anti America Government.

This includes CBS Fox Msnbc ABC and the rest of the cheerleader pro government news rooms

[whiskyrokkr]

Say it ain''t so.

[tbweb]

`U.S. Losing Its Trust In Key Ally Pakistan`

The results from Pakistan don`t support U.S. trust! The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is yet another dark, cloudy and murky event in Pakistan`s shady relationship with the U.S. and based strictly on results Pakistan is full of it and hasn`t earned trust.

[micma-2009]

This wouldn''t be happening if the neocon morons hadn''t decided to invade Iraq instead of taking care of Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

[hungry1962]

This wouldn''''t be happening if the neocon morons hadn''''t decided to invade Iraq instead of taking care of Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Posted by micma at 08:01 AM : Aug 01, 2008

Bill Clownton choked so 7000+ Americans died.

[macusweil]

How many billions has we poured down this rat hole? The Bush admin plays with tax payer dollars like it''s water.

What a freaking joke, when are we going to get leadership in Washington?

[cheetah-man7]

I have never really trusted Pakistans''s agenda and it would appear that my suspicions are correct. Any country that is not going full-on to beat the taliban in their own country is not someone the USA should be trusting. We only give them lee-way due the fact that they have nukes and we are worried about who may get them. On the other hand - who can really trust the USA with Bush at the helm? Our wonderful country has gone to the dogs and another 4 years with McCain will see a war with Iran... I can''t believe the idiocy in our nation''s government. There are no simmple answers to the world''s woes, but another term of Bush Lite will insure the demise of the American way as we all know it (and love !).

[cheetah-man7]

Posted by macusweil "What a freaking joke, when are we going to get leadership in Washington?"


On 04 November 2008 when the US realizes that another 4 years of Bush Lite will be the end to our magnificent nation. Voting for Obama may not create miracles, but it also won''t create a depression either!

[dargay]

The US works with Pakistani intelligence for seven years since 9/11, but after the February 18 elections bring a democratic government, suddenly the US finds lots of problems with them. Quite suspicious.

[whyafghan]

This wouldn''''t be happening if the neocon morons hadn''''t decided to invade Iraq instead of taking care of Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
------------
Posted by micma

LOL. Sure. How many more American lives and money will we lose before we realize this is simply Iraq2? Why Afghanistan?

[macusweil]

"Why shouldn''''t we trust the only country that recognized the taliban as Afganistan''''s legal government?"

Where''s Bin Laden?

In tribal lands somewhere on nice paid vacation using the generous donations of George W Bush via some shady channels through Islamabad.

[emelder]

Another foreign leader whom Bush looked into his eyes ... and saw his soul. The cowboy President fails again! I''m ready for President Obama ... enough of this bumbling foreign policy already!

[whitemale08]

...that''s because the taliban and Pakistani intelligence are really British agents. When are we going to learn who the real enemy is?

[whitemale08]

...that''s because the taliban and Pakistani intelligence are really British agents. When are we going to learn who the real enemy is?

[gangesdak]

Pakistan was always untrustworthy. Most of the 9-11 conspirators have Pakistan connection. It always had army-cracy, never democracy. Our government always coddled them for what they are not.

[book54552134]

When smaller nations don''t acquiesce to the demands of the US, it tends to make US officials feel as if leaders of such nations are being arrogant. After all, the US is generally used to getting it''s way, especially with smaller countries which have trouble resisting US pressure.

Maybe the US should give Pakistan another several Billion dollars in aid starting with this year. The US tact is that when all else fails, buy our way in. After all, the government can always force the middle class taxpayer to pay for stuff like that.

Maybe that''ll cause Pakistan to bow to all of wishes of the State Dept.

[hasher471]

Why is our government always about 5 years behind the American people?

I never had faith that Pakistan or any of those middle east countries is a true ally of the USA.

[briannorwood]

Obama''s stance on unilateral strike in Pakistan, given actionable intelligence, is sounding smarter and smarter.

How is it that this "inexperienced" candidate seems to always hit the nail right on the head. Does he have prescient vision or just good judgement?

[fstop100]

The middle east has been at war for 3000 years. Why would we want to trust them.

[shazam112]

This is good news. Our country should not trust those who worship the cresent.


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Posted by GOP_forever at 09:19 AM : Aug

I guess that would isarel ....

[meanbiker]

Why should we trust Pakistan? After all they are allowing Obama.. oops Osama to live in their country.. If they were on our side they would of allowed the Us military more access to their country.. And they would of helped us find OBL.

Someone posted give them more aid? ***?? you must be a lib... Give me give me.. How about giving to the American people and not the rest of the world..

As for Barack Hussein Obama.. You may think that an empty suite is the answer but it isn''t... If it were the case then your boss could go to a clothing store and replace you... Come on.. did you hear Baracks answer to the oil problem " Make sure you air up your tires and get your car serviced" now that was a good answer.. NOT!!!!

[cricketbeers]

Why is our government always about 5 years behind the American people?

I never had faith that Pakistan or any of those middle east countries is a true ally of the USA.
-------------------------

This is absolutely what I was thinking!

And, these days, it''s harder and harder to trust your neighbor, much less a middle eastern country.

[hungry1962]

Does he have prescient vision or just good judgement?

Posted by briannorwood at 09:25 AM : Aug 01, 2008

You talking about Ludicris or Barry?

[ajmarine111]

Obama''''s stance on unilateral strike in Pakistan, given actionable intelligence, is sounding smarter and smarter.


Posted by briannorwood at 09:25 AM : Aug 01, 2008


I''m all for it, but do you realize if we do, we must be ready to make real war and not do a police action.

The Islamic world would really be "inflamed" if we started bombing.

[venkata4--2008]

Wow, after giving 11 billions to Pakistan government we have realized that things are not working in our favor. From the beginning Pakistan government is playing this double game.

Name a Islamic jihadist who did not get Pakistan help to get training.
A costly mistake by not concentrating on Afghanistan to fight terrorism and funding Pakistan to fight our war.

[causeway_v]

This is absolutely what I was thinking!

Posted by cricketbeers at 09:36 AM : Aug 01, 2008"

There is a lot of doubt as to whether you or any american has the capacity to think - after all you a655holes still believe that Iraq was behind the 9/11 attacks

[causeway_v]

I have an idea...why not demand OBL?
He''''s been there for years...


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Posted by jh6379 at 09:38 AM : Aug 01, 2008"

so when did he come back from the dead - you a55holes have claimed he died years ago

Bottom line is that there is ample evidence that the creature "american with a brain" is rather like a unicorn - ie fictional

[shazam112]

IT seems like pakistan is kicking nato''s a-ss and getting paid at the same time ,wow pakistani geniuses..

[vietnam21]

U.S. Losing Its Trust In Key Ally Pakistan.

REALLY. DUH...CUT OFF 6 BILLION AND 236 MILLION AID RENTLY.....

[talkingham]

Oh really, you mean the nation that has been supposedly harboring Osama Bin Laden and whose leading nuke scientist guided Iran''s nuke development is losing our trust. What a revelation!

[hologram5]

All these people over there are fighting over a rock and they have been fighting for over two thousand years and will continue to fight till the end of times. What we are doing over there is just making them angrier and making them hate us. Leave them alone and they''ll either work it out or kill each other off.

[pirmin3]

I really wonder what this administration has been smoking. Give them millions and don''t trust them?? GW''s mama was drunk most of the time when she was carrying him. Brain dead.

[book54552134]

MeanBiker -

Surely you don''t think I was serious about giving Pakistan more aid, do you? Do you know the meaning of sarcasm? During the last several years, your buddies in the Bush Administration & the GOP have given Pakistan nearly 12 Billion dollars in aid. By your comment, I think you will agree that was a travesty. I agree with you that charity must begin at home, first.

On your other point - Yes, except for the issue of abortion, I am a liberal, & proud of it. Always have been, always will be.

[petro49l]

The Saudis want a war between the United States and Pakistan. This would provide ample reason to raise oil prices. Pakistan is a refuge for rank and file Arabs. Bin Laden takes every opportunity to reduce their number with bombs, bullets, and knives. This move facilitates his elitist region of opium plantations. Al Qada is the confederate organization of terror.

[leftyintexas]

IMPEACH HUSSEIN NOW,,,

SIGN THE PETITION,,,

Impeach, expel Barack Obama
http://obamaimpeachment.org

Posted by terrorislamv at 11:21 AM : Aug 01, 2008

Moron, why don''t you go help your Al Queda brothers by wrapping a few dozen explosive belts around your head and then set them off....just to make sure they''re working O.K. Only 172 days left! Enjoy! OBAMA IN 08!!

[downtowner97]

Why does the GOP attack us? They hate us for our freedom.

[hungry1968]

"U.S. Losing Its Trust In Key Ally Pakistan"





Key ally? What makes them a "key ally"? The fact they sign non-aggression agreements with Taliban friendly warlords, giving al Qaeda safe haven?

[lochlan-2009]

We can''t get to pissed at Pakistan, Rice (Chevron) has to protect their pipeline from the Caspian Sea to India.

[antoniof123]

MeanBiker -

Surely you don''''t think I was serious about giving Pakistan more aid, do you? Do you know the meaning of sarcasm? During the last several years, your buddies in the Bush Administration & the GOP have given Pakistan nearly 12 Billion dollars in aid. By your comment, I think you will agree that was a travesty. I agree with you that charity must begin at home, first.

On your other point - Yes, except for the issue of abortion, I am a liberal, & proud of it. Always have been, always will be.

Posted by book54552134 at 12:15 PM : Aug 01, 2008

Let''s not forget about selling them plans they supplie them with an air force and as I recall the terrorist don''t have an air force.

Neo cons are dumber than dirt and would sell their mother for a vote.

[wellhell3]

Neo cons are dumber than dirt and would sell their mother for a vote.


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Posted by antoniof123 at 03:37 PM : Aug 01, 2008

Or you could just throw them under the campaign bus and run over them with all eight tires, that''d get rid of these typical white people fast!

[wellhell3]

Make a parking lot of the whole place over there, stick 5,000,000 McDonald''s, and run a pipline through it with oil.

At least we wouldn''t have to worry the folks would be stapping bombs on themselves to attend our weddings and kill us, or drive planes into our buildings to watch our people jump out of them to keep from burning to death while they get their jollies off watching!

[dargay]

I just watched the video, this foreign affairs analyst is very lame.

[deacon20081]

Since we know Pakistan can not be trusted, why have they not fed them a line of *** to draw out Bin Laden and Company to take them out? False information is great when used for an ambush.
Makes you wonder how much Bush sends to Osama for his allowance each week.

[coco0331]

Why is America taking care of Russian problem, this whole war is a rip off by the military industrial complex.

[oneworldusa]

Pakistan hasn''t been a legitimate ally for years. It is harboring Bin Laden. Why the heck the government wants to woo Pakistan is beyond belief to me. Pakistan does nothing for us that I know of.

I''m sure there are many fine people in Pakistan. I''m talking about government. No ally to the US.

[lmartink]

What? Pakistan can''t be trusted? Really? Gimme a break. That was obvious to me 7 long years ago when the WTC was attacked.

Who are these idiots in government who have finally decided that Perverse Pervez Musharraf can''t be trusted?

The real question is how much money have we poured into Pakistan in those 7 years?

Time will tell, over and over, that our leadership over the last 8 years has been one of the most colossally stupid and pathetically idiotic regimes ever to rule a country anywhere in the 5,000 year history of civilization.

[randynason]

Great job, W. "Mission accomplished!"
I take it that the actual mission was to totally *** up this country''s constitution, alienate our allies and decimate the economic structure of this country and the rest of the world? Well- you succeeded, you tired terd. I hope you rot in hel.

[brianbwb-2009]

"I take it that the actual mission was to totally *** up this country''''s constitution, alienate our allies and decimate the economic structure of this country and the rest of the world?..." Posted by RandyNason

"Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Musharraf sided with the United States against the Taliban government in Afghanistan after an ultimatum by U.S. President George W. Bush. Musharraf agreed to give the United States the use of three airbases for Operation Enduring Freedom. Secretary of State Colin Powell and other administration officials met with Musharraf. On September 19, 2001, Musharraf addressed the people of Pakistan and stated that, while he opposed military tactics against the Taliban, Pakistan risked being endangered by an alliance of India and the U.S. if it did not cooperate. In 2006, Musharraf testified that this stance was pressured by threats from the U.S., and revealed in his memoirs that he had "war-gamed" the United States as an adversary and decided that it would end in a loss for Pakistan."

Many of us knew from the beginning. The Taliban were, and are no threat to the US, only to Bush''s pipeline, so in Bush''s deluded mind, they had to go.