Intelligence service without 'intelligence'
Friday, December 05, 2008
Recriminations continue after the Indian terrorist attack as the nation, and the rest of the world, mourns the dead. In the case of the United States, a new emphasis on coordinated work between intelligence bodies was developed out of the 2001 tragedy.
Unfortunately, other odious trends developed such as the Bush presidency's obsession with illegal methods of waging the anti-terrorism war, with pre-emptive strikes and detentions at Guantanamo Bay.
Instead, it has sparked a storm of accusations, denials, and unresolved questions about the influence of De Beers on the nation’s politics. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s claims that the diamond giants bankrolled his removal to dodge taxes – and that the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government watered down a favourable diamond deal – are explosive matters. But without evidence, they risk becoming a toxic distraction from...