CIA guns for hire: Contract workers pursuing terrorists

[Judi Lynn]

CIA Guns for Hire: Contract Workers Pursuing Terrorists
By John J. Lumpkin Associated Press Writer
Published: Nov 27, 2003




WASHINGTON (AP) - The recent deaths of two paramilitary operatives tracking terrorists in Afghanistan opened a small window into one of the CIA's secret methods in fighting the war on terror: using guns-for-hire.

The agency has turned more frequently to contractors - often retired Green Berets or Navy SEALs - as it has worked to rapidly expand its covert paramilitary force, boosted by a big increase in funding in the two years since the Sept. 11 attacks. (snip)

(snip) But some analysts wonder whether the activities of CIA contractors are subject to proper oversight from both the CIA and Congress. (snip)

(snip) Aftergood said that while the use of contractors does give the CIA flexibility, "it's not a substitute for a well-conceived and sustained operational plan."

"By hiring contractors, the agency places one more veil over its activities. These contractors are even less subject to independent oversight than CIA's normal activities," Aftergood said. (snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAGQQ5GIND.html

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

1. More "privatization."

The idea that anything purchased with money is legitimate has taken over the current administration.

This really stinks.

[gandalf]

2. But when the CIA authorized it, it must be legitimate

They only act for reasons of national security. (At least that is what I read somewhere)

[Say_What]

12. WTF?? That reminds me of a video clip I saw of Bob Dole

in a room filled with international journalists one of whom said; "What does the School of the Americas do?" Dole replied: "They spread democracy throughout the hemisphere." The entire room roared with laughter at that imbecilic remark.

[aquart]

3. Can't help it. I hope they're shot on sight.

They have no accountability except to profit. They must not be allowed to roam loose.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

4. In today's America, a man is more likely to die for money than country.

[rooboy]

5. So THAT's why Geraldo is in Afghanistan again...

wearing his nazi era-style black helmet.

[DUreader]

6. AP covering for the corporations. Independent Contractors?

I doubt they are Indies, probably hired thru Dyncorp or some other

war profiteer.

[Say_What]

11. US uses contractors so they don't have to account to the public

Colombia is an example where they're using plenty of contractors (Dynacorp) --three of which have been held for nearly a year. Recently the US offered 5 million for info to recover these guys. You gotta know that the Uncle Sam doesn't offer that kind of scratch for just anyone. They're doing the dirty work--no accountability and Uncle Sam can then deny the atrocities. Nice use of our tax dollars, eh?

[slaveplanet]

7. Pinkerton N/T

[trapper914]

8. While I'm concerned about oversight...

...I like the idea of using operatives in this war versus the regular military. It seems to me the so-called "War On Terror" should be a surgical operation, designed to root out the individuals who give the orders and then to take them out.

In the long run, I think we put a bigger dent in the power structure of terrorist organizations using these "guns for hire," than sending hundreds of thousands of troops into a country for and endless tour of duty, followed by an expensive reconstruction period.

[teryang]

9. Laws and regulations? Oversight? CIA?

They have got to be kidding.

As far as I'm concerned all covert and field ops involving the application of force should be conducted by personnel subject to courts-martial jurisdiction or you have nothing better than murder and corruption, inc. What legislative authority is there for the CIA to conduct active military field operations?

The CIA is not under control. It is not subject to any effective oversight. They've gotten some excellent propaganda of late since their latest debacle, 911 and the anthrax episodes, but they are not accountable to the government.

[TexasMexican]

10. Bounty Hunters

well we do allow bounty hunters to work within our country, so its not much of a strech of the imagination that we would use them abroad.