Here is a fascinating story from the Washington Post that indicates why things are never black and white in the shadowy world of intelligence. Mohamedou Ould Slahi and Tariq al-Sawah are two high-value terrorists who decided to switch sides and cooperate with the American military after they were sent to Guantanamo.
Both former terrorists have fought in Afghanistan and had links to Al-Qaeda leadership. One of them confessed to being a skilled bomb maker and they have probably killed Americans. However they are cooperating and have provided useful information. In reward, they have been given comfortable living quarters including well-stocked refrigerators and televisions.
Sawah seems to be an outgoing fellow who has developed a talent for painting. He also wants to write his memoirs. The problem is what to do with them. Some authorities are arguing that since they have cooperated and provided useful information, they should be put into the Witness Protection program. Their former Al-Qaeda comrades probably want to put them six feet under.
Unfortunately both men have committed numerous crimes and are wanted by authorities in several countries. Their lawyers also argue that they have been tortured. Salahi was tortured under orders from former Sec. of Defense Donald Rumsfield. So right now, they are stuck in legal limbo and remain in comfortable prisons.
Doing business with killers might seem distasteful, but that is how things are done in the Intelligence business. The people you recruit are usually traitors, thieves, killers and turncoats, who are willing to sell their own side out.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/24/AR2010032403135_3.html?sid=ST2010032403323
Both former terrorists have fought in Afghanistan and had links to Al-Qaeda leadership. One of them confessed to being a skilled bomb maker and they have probably killed Americans. However they are cooperating and have provided useful information. In reward, they have been given comfortable living quarters including well-stocked refrigerators and televisions.
Sawah seems to be an outgoing fellow who has developed a talent for painting. He also wants to write his memoirs. The problem is what to do with them. Some authorities are arguing that since they have cooperated and provided useful information, they should be put into the Witness Protection program. Their former Al-Qaeda comrades probably want to put them six feet under.
Unfortunately both men have committed numerous crimes and are wanted by authorities in several countries. Their lawyers also argue that they have been tortured. Salahi was tortured under orders from former Sec. of Defense Donald Rumsfield. So right now, they are stuck in legal limbo and remain in comfortable prisons.
Doing business with killers might seem distasteful, but that is how things are done in the Intelligence business. The people you recruit are usually traitors, thieves, killers and turncoats, who are willing to sell their own side out.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/24/AR2010032403135_3.html?sid=ST2010032403323
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