Gates says reviewing contractors' role in intel gathering

[Coventina]

Source: Washington Post

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Monday he was reviewing the role of contractors in intelligence gathering, after accusations some helped track and kill militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Pentagon announced last week it was investigating "serious allegations" about a Defense Department employee who may have secretly channeled money to an off-the-books spy operation aimed at hunting militants.

Gates did not comment on those allegations specifically. But asked more broadly about allowing contractors to collect intelligence on the battlefield, Gates said: "Quite frankly, in principle, I would have concerns about that."

"But I don't know enough to know whether it took place, and, if so, whether there was value added," he told reporters.

The accusations, first detailed in a New York Times report, centered on Michael D. Furlong, who the newspaper said hired contractors from private security companies that employed former CIA and Special Forces operatives.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/22/AR2010032201864.html

[EFerrari]

1. And that's his whole schtick, not knowing enough.

He does it even more credibly than Rumsfeld did.

[gimama]

3. YOU are absolutely RIGHT

but gates KNOWS we no longer torture, right?
& he KNOWS we no longer use black sites..
he KNOWS we don't do "extraordinary rendition" any more..
we don't rape Children & Family Members in front of detainees, now..
right??? Hello? Sec.gates???:grr:

[gimama]

2. THIS deserves MORE attention..

Here's MY headline on this disturbing situation:
"Former bush Sec of Defence Gates,who became Pres.Obama's Sec Def,
channels former bush Sec Def, donald freakin rumsfeld"..
what ELSE is Sec Def gates "unaware of"?

THIS is UNacceptabe.

[gimama]

4. thank YOU for this update!

I know *WE* are supposed to be in celebration mode, but this wkend was hell's anniversary..completely eclipsed by hcr..
meanwhile the death & destruction & DECEPTION continues. :(
Thanks again..will keep it kicked.

[sabra]

5. US reviewing contractors' role in intel gathering

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, March 22 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Monday he was reviewing the role of contractors in intelligence gathering, after accusations some helped track and kill militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Pentagon announced last week it was investigating "serious allegations" about a U.S. Defense Department employee who may have secretly channeled money to an off-the-books spy operation aimed at hunting militants.

Gates did not comment on those allegations specifically. But asked more broadly about allowing contractors to collect intelligence on the battlefield, Gates said: "Quite frankly, in principle, I would have concerns about that."

"But I don't know enough to know whether it took place, and, if so, whether there was value added," he told reporters.

The accusations, first detailed in a New York Times report, centered on Michael D. Furlong, who the newspaper said hired contractors from private security companies that employed former CIA and Special Forces operatives.

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N22192898.htm

[Solly Mack]

6. k/r

[gimama]

7. ignorance is NO defence, mr.sec-def!

gates needs to be investigated..
as well as the OTHER left-behinders of cheeneee.
Thanks, Sabra!

www.indiegogo.com/bush