fatman17
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Intelligence agency of Pakistan pivotal in war on terror
February 18, 2009
RE "Pakistan's ISI problem" (Editorial, Feb. 11): Contrary to the widespread theory, the Inter-Services Intelligence agency is a disciplined and professional organization that is playing a pivotal role in the global war on terrorism.
This organization has been crucial in bringing regional stability. Its contribution in the 1980s against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan could not be denied, and it operated cooperatively with multiple US agencies for a decade or more.
After Sept. 11, 2001, the American campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan could not have materialized without the willful support of Pakistan and its security organizations, including the ISI. Scores of key Al Qaeda and Taliban figures were either killed or handed over to the United States through the ISI's help.
Supporting the United States in Afghanistan and elsewhere while combating extremism, Pakistan has incurred colossal human loss in terms of deaths of its citizens and security officials.
Recurring suicide attacks on Pakistan's security officials in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and target killing of its members in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and elsewhere illustrate the frustration and damage Pakistan has caused to the militants and terrorists.
Allegations of the ISI's cadres operating in connivance with the Taliban or Al-Qaeda and portrayals of the agency as an autonomous body are not based on fact. The ISI operates under complete control of the civilian government, and American authorities are convinced of the credibility of this institution following the return of Pakistan to full democracy.
Nadeem H. Kiani
Press attache
Embassy of Pakistan
Washington
February 18, 2009
RE "Pakistan's ISI problem" (Editorial, Feb. 11): Contrary to the widespread theory, the Inter-Services Intelligence agency is a disciplined and professional organization that is playing a pivotal role in the global war on terrorism.
This organization has been crucial in bringing regional stability. Its contribution in the 1980s against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan could not be denied, and it operated cooperatively with multiple US agencies for a decade or more.
After Sept. 11, 2001, the American campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan could not have materialized without the willful support of Pakistan and its security organizations, including the ISI. Scores of key Al Qaeda and Taliban figures were either killed or handed over to the United States through the ISI's help.
Supporting the United States in Afghanistan and elsewhere while combating extremism, Pakistan has incurred colossal human loss in terms of deaths of its citizens and security officials.
Recurring suicide attacks on Pakistan's security officials in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and target killing of its members in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and elsewhere illustrate the frustration and damage Pakistan has caused to the militants and terrorists.
Allegations of the ISI's cadres operating in connivance with the Taliban or Al-Qaeda and portrayals of the agency as an autonomous body are not based on fact. The ISI operates under complete control of the civilian government, and American authorities are convinced of the credibility of this institution following the return of Pakistan to full democracy.
Nadeem H. Kiani
Press attache
Embassy of Pakistan
Washington
