NATO faces a dilemma and maybe unaware?
My title.
A "broad brush" analysis by Paul Rogers:
Quote:
This briefing examines the aftermath of the death of Osama bin Laden and developments in Syria, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The main focus, however, will be on Libya. Is the continuing stalemate in the Libyan War the more important development?
Midway he says:
Quote:
Thus, by the end of the month and some five months after the start of the disturbances in Morocco, progress in political reform was continuing, but with a counter-reaction from elite regimes. In such circumstances, it might be expected that the strong western support for rebel forces in Libya would be seen as a positive aspect for the region as a whole. Here was external support for progressive change in a country where dissent had been rigorously suppressed. The fact that it is not seen that way across the region is of considerable significance.
Then:
Quote:
...a deep unease merging into anger that Libya is yet another example of an Islamic state being subjected to attack by western forces. What is really important here, and is not understood in the West, is that the longer the Libyan War continues, the more the balance alters between the two factors, in the direction of popular opposition to western intervention.
(Last sentence)....NATO is therefore facing a dilemma - the extent of which is hardly appreciated among the western political classes.
Link:http://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.u...t/libya_centre
Bin Laden death: 'CIA doctor' accused of treason
Not really unexpected given the official Pakistani reaction:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15206639
In a better world those who exposed this man's role should take his place!
Update on Bin Laden death: 'CIA doctor' accused of treason
From the BBC:
Quote:
A Pakistani doctor who helped the CIA find Osama Bin Laden has been sentenced to 33 years in jail, officials say.
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18175964
Leaving aside the personal impact and local matters I would argue that this imprisonment alongside the recent revelations about the betrayal of the second Underpants bomber does not help the West and other friends recruit volunteers who become helpers, informants and spies. Those who are coerced are very different.
Those standard reassurances we will keep your identity secret, known to a very few; we will protect you and go to the "nth" degree to get you out could be now viewed as worthless.
Incidentally Sir Colin McColl, ex-SIS Director, has remarked that recruiting helpers (in GWOT / CT) was adversely affected by the furore over human rights abuses.