Documents discovered in Libya suggest a close relationship between the Libyan government and the CIA. The New York Times described it this way on September 3:
TRIPOLI, Libya — Documents found at the abandoned office of Libya’s former spymaster appear to provide new details of the close relations the Central Intelligence Agency shared with the Libyan intelligence service — most notably suggesting that the Americans sent terrorism suspects at least eight times for questioning in Libya despite that country’s reputation for torture.
And then today (9/6/11) the Times put it this way:
The cooperation appeared to be far greater with the American intelligence agency, which sent terrorism suspects to Libya for questioning at least eight times, despite the country’s reputation for torture. Britain sent at least one suspect, according to the documents.
As Glenn Greenwald pointed out on Twitter (in fewer characters), the whole point of rendition was to send prisoners to countries the United States knew would treat them a certain way. It wasn’t a series of accidents. In other words, the CIA used Libya not despite its reputation for torture, but because of it.
and remember as far as the nyt is concerned, it’s only “torture” when other countries do it….
How ’bout just(ly) regularly rendering Cheney/Bush/0bama/Rumsfeld/Rice/Powell, et al to the Hague, LEGALLY and Constitutionally for their War CRIMES against humanity!?
Why subcontract to Libia? I think evidence shows that we’re quite good at it ourself. Maybe what we do isn’t ‘torture’ but whatever it is, it certainly is ‘extraordinary’! I hope THAT rhetoric works when it is our kids sitting in front of the enemy waiting to be “questioned”. Unfortunately, when the leader of the free world ignores a rule, all,whether ‘free’ or not, follows our lead. For those with a weak stomach, Libia could be in line for a lot of business.
Think of Libya as a mercenary client state for the US Empire abroad. There are many others including Syria and Saudi Arabia. Where ever they will torture for us. Still some in S. America too.
Slightly off-topic: Peter, don’t miss Fred Hiatt’s delusional history of the Global War on Terror:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ten-years-after-sept-11-the-gains-outweigh-the-mistakes/2011/09/09/gIQAxWivFK_story.html?hpid=z2
Not to be too much of a pain in the ass……But where is the journalistic source material?”I knew somebody who knew somebody,who had a cousin,who had an aunt ,that said she was there when somebody told her that they actually had a relative in the rebel faction that found this stuff”.Lets hang Bush and his evil VP!Quick- we don’t need no stinking trial.
The ISSUE is that there appears to be a long-established and close connection between the U.S. government, or at least the CIA, and the Libyan government. That’s strange because Libya was once identified as part of an “axis of evil.” This new evidence makes certain public statements by our government appear to be at variance with the truth. The journalistic SOURCE material is documentary evidence; the news reports are based on intelligence documents from the Libyan government. Likening that kind of evidence to hearsay or rumor, michael e, is either stupid or deceptive or both. Vic Anderson is calling for a trial, so putting the words “we don’t need no stinking trial” in his/her mouth is dishonest. Discussions are more relevant and interesting when commenters actually read the posting plus the articles and THEN write comments on the ACTUAL ISSUE that was raised. So … what do you think of this (unconfirmed but strong evidence of a) link between the CIA and the Gadhafi government?
I think………If evidence comes out before a Congressional investigative body that proves to criminal wrongdoing in this case along the lines that at this time seem to be just hearsay and speculation….that charges should be brought.That said….without hard evidence before that body- I doubt if they would act.And of course the other legal point is- what is ,and what is not ,legal?My point is- what is the validity of these reports?Can we agree that if no body acts- that their was no validity?I think that will just stoke the conspiracy theorist.And You seem a little too eager to conduct a witch trial and burning.
The material was found by the emergencies director of Human Rights Watch in the offices of the former head of Libyan Intelligence. It is corraborated by material made public by wikileaks. The general principle is admitted to unabashedly by Cheney himself.
Sounds like they have something.As always lets see how that”something”susses out.
If by “conduct a witch trial and burning” michael e means a Congressional investigation and/or a trial at The Hague, then yes, I think there is enough evidence to make this collusion between the CIA and the Libyan government worth looking into. “Conduct a witch trial and burning,” though, seems like an odd way to describe an investigation and/or trial. And by “You,” in “you seem a little too eager …” I guess he means “you liberals.” I would prefer a discussion of issues to a deliberate mischaracterization of what I, and my ilk, are presumed to think.
That is the truth. The Bush administration with Cheney leading the way sent people to be tortured in countries that torture. Evil and malicious is Cheney who will be going to Hell when he croaks.
And Vicki do you still think it is going on?Or has is intensified under Obama?Do we really know?
Hell Leslie if you are going to have a trial at the Hague you would have to throw Hilary and Obama in too.I mean what have they changed?Joint chiefs……State Dept…….CIA…….FBI.And of course sainthood for Saddam.Really do you honestly believe your deepest desires will be realized?