U.S. Cooperating with Pakistani Military using Predators

Open coordination for something that wasn't quite as openly coordinated before.

The U.S. military has begun flying armed Predator drones inside Pakistan and has given Pakistani officers significant control over targets, flight routes and decisions to launch attacks under a new joint operation, according to U.S. officials familiar with the program.

The project was begun in recent weeks to bolster Pakistan's ability and willingness to disrupt the militant groups that are posing a growing threat to the government in Islamabad and fueling violence in Afghanistan.

For the U.S. military, the missions represent a broad new role in searching for Islamic militants in Pakistan. For years, that task has been the domain of the CIA, which has flown its own fleet of Predators over the South Asian nation.

Under the new partnership, U.S. military drones will be allowed for the first time to venture beyond the borders of Afghanistan under the direction of Pakistani military officials, who are working with American counterparts at a command center in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

I rather doubt that this is the first time Predators have been "allowed" to venture. But it does indicate an open level of coordination exists now beyond a wink and a nod, or an "act and ask forgiveness later" approach.

Asking forgiveness later is something I find useful nearly every day.

Best part? Dianne can flip her gums now without remorse.

I suppose the best way to keep idiots from revealing truly important secrets is to make them not secret anymore. You don't have to respond to charges from the President when he refers to the action as "say what?"

I for one am looking forward to the next headline,

Taliban Field Commanders Succumb to Atopic Dermatis, 3,000 pounds of Reaper Launched Air to Ground Munitions, but Mostly 3,000 pounds of Reaper Launched Air to Ground Munitions.

Am curious though, how Obama squares this approach with invasion plans.

posted by Dave In Texas at 08:39 PM

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