Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Gates backs critique of spy agencies in Afghanistan
|
Edition:
U.S.
Article
Save
Email
Print
Reprints
Most Popular
Most Shared
House Democrats discuss health care priorities
07 Jan 2010
Tablet? Slate? New devices emerge as Apple looms
07 Jan 2010
Goodbye kiss provoked Newark airport scare - paper
07 Jan 2010
"Jay Leno Show" future uncertain
2:20am EST
Goodbye kiss provoked Newark airport scare: report
07 Jan 2010
Speeding motorist fined $290,000
07 Jan 2010
Cellphones may protect brain from Alzheimer's
07 Jan 2010
Goodbye kiss provoked Newark airport scare - paper
07 Jan 2010
Obama takes responsibility for lapses
| Video
07 Jan 2010
A goodbye kiss triggered New Jersey airport scare
07 Jan 2010
Gates backs critique of spy agencies in Afghanistan
Adam Entous
WASHINGTON
Thu Jan 7, 2010 11:11pm EST
Related News
Obama orders new measures after security lapses
Thu, Jan 7 2010
CIA orders changes after failed December 25 bombing
Thu, Jan 7 2010
Factbox: Christmas Day bombing plot: Who knew what, when?
Thu, Jan 7 2010
Al Qaeda claims attack on CIA workers in Afghanistan
Thu, Jan 7 2010
U.S. believes 1 in 5 ex-detainees joining militants
Wed, Jan 6 2010
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates threw his support on Thursday behind a harsh critique of the U.S. military's spy agencies in Afghanistan, increasing pressure on them to shift focus from killing insurgents to winning hearts and minds.
World
The rare public critique by U.S. Major General Michael Flynn, deputy chief of staff for intelligence for U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, put a spotlight on what some American officials describe as a behind-the-scenes tug-of-war within the U.S. military and intelligence community over priorities.
In his report, Flynn described U.S. intelligence officers and analysts in Afghanistan as "ignorant of local economics and landowners, hazy about who the powerbrokers are and how they might be influenced ... and disengaged from people in the best position to find answers."
While the U.S. military's focus has shifted under President Barack Obama to mounting a counterinsurgency campaign aimed at sidelining the Taliban by winning over the Afghan people, Flynn said the intelligence community was instead still focused on capturing and killing mid- to high-level insurgents.
U.S. hunt-and-kill operations on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, frequently using unmanned aerial drones armed with missiles, have been condemned by human rights groups and have fueled anti-American sentiment.
Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said Gates found Flynn's analysis "brilliant" and his findings "spot on."
But Morrell said Gates had "real reservations about the general's choice of venue for publication." Flynn's report was issued on Monday by a private Washington think tank, surprising Pentagon officials.
Some saw it as a breach of the established military chain of command and an unusually public flogging of intelligence agencies that Flynn is meant to lead in Afghanistan.
Flynn said in his report that he had directed intelligence officers and analysts to gather more information on a wider range of issues at a grass-roots level, as well as to divide their work along geographical lines.
Pentagon officials said the report was aimed at intelligence agencies overseen by the Defense Department, and not the CIA, which has overseen strikes against Taliban and al Qaeda targets along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
"This is internal criticism. It is not directed at our colleagues elsewhere in the intelligence community," Morrell said.
Release of the report came less than a week after a suicide bomber killed seven CIA officers at a U.S. base in eastern Afghanistan, the second-most deadly attack in agency history.
Al Qaeda's Afghan wing claimed responsibility for the bombing on Thursday, saying it was launched to avenge the deaths of the group's leaders. Some of them were killed in CIA drone strikes.
An intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, defended the focus of U.S. spy agencies on insurgents, saying: "You can't be successful at counterinsurgency without a profound understanding of the enemy."
(Editing by Anthony Boadle and Eric Beech)
World
More from Reuters
U.S. job purge likely halted, jobless rate seen up
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. government report on Friday is expected to show the economy stopped shedding jobs last month for the first time since it fell into recession two years ago, easing a political weight on President Barack Obama. | Video
Exclusive: Ex-SAC analyst caught up in Blackstone insider probe
Ex-McKinsey exec: Rajaratnam paid $1.75 million for tips
NY Fed sought to limit AIG bank disclosures
Nikkei leads Asia up, China falls on policy worry
| Video
Bankruptcy fears hit Japan Airlines as government mulls aid
» More Top News
Analysis:
Dealing with "Made in China"
China and the U.S. are girding for another bumpy year as American factories seek protection from lower-priced Chinese competition. Full Article
Fewer imports won't help U.S.: W. Bank
U.S. slaps more duties on China steel
China
Bernd Debusmann:
Intelligence or fortune telling?
A devastating report that calls the U.S. intelligence community "marginally relevant" -- issued by its top officer in Afghanistan -- is a damning look at why the system failed. Commentary
Gates backs critique of spy agencies
Obama orders new security measures
Summary of White House Report
The Great Debate
© Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters
Editorial Editions:
Africa
Arabic
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
China
France
Germany
India
Italy
Japan
Latin America
Mexico
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
United States
Reuters
Contact Us
Advertise With Us
Help
Journalism Handbook
Archive
Site Index
Video Index
Analyst Research
Mobile
Newsletters
RSS
Podcasts
Widgets
Your View
Labs
Thomson Reuters
Copyright
Disclaimer
Privacy
Professional Products
Professional Products Support
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Careers
Online Products
Acquisitions Monthly
Buyouts.com
Buyouts Europe:
Buyouts Conferences:
Venture Capital Journal
ECVJ
International Financing Review
International Securitisation Report
Project Finance International
PEhub.com
PE Week
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Friday, 8 January 2010 Al-Qaeda says CIA attack 'revenge' for drone killings
Snow causes travel chaos across northern Europe
Cellular group says mobile calls safe from hackers
Iran to try five people over December unrest
New US jobless claims edge up
'Year 2010' smart-card bug turns Germans back to cash
Bombs kill 7 in Iraq's Anbar province
Euro economic recovery labours in low gear
Boost extends unlimited plan to full Sprint network
Suicide bomber kills eight in eastern Afghanistan
EU Galileo sat-nav system to begin operations in 2014
Google sweetens bid for On2, shares up
Striking Algerian workers in stand-off with police
|
Iran to try 5 protesters it detained
New for 2010: anti-wrinkle bras, protein undies
GameStop cuts profit view; holiday sales stagnate
Afghan suicide bomber kills eight
Plane plot stirs concern over UK campus militants
|
Iran foreign minister in Iraq over border dispute
Shelling kills at least 11 in Somali capital
|
Police disperse Copts protesting fatal Egypt shooting
Anti-terror chief among seven killed in Iraq blasts
Intel unveils new microprocessors
|
Nelson says he wants Medicaid deal for all states
Verizon to sell two Palm phones on Jan 25
|
Ex-NBA star arraigned on drunken-driving charges
LA unveils training academy for anti-gang workers
NYC consultant accused of violating Iran embargo
NJ Senate to consider gay marriage bill
US says Pakistan harassing its diplomats
Cellular group says mobile calls safe from hackers
|
AP: Blackwater settles series of civil lawsuits
China tainted milk problem kept secret for months
Ohio executes man in second use of 1-drug method
Child soldiers leave Maoist camps in Nepal
Sony positive on post-holiday U.S. electronics
|
Taiwan court rejects frozen asset appeal by ex-leader's wife
Callers to free tow number directed to porn line
Vietnam police tear gas, beat Catholics over cross: priest
Study: Calorie counts off at chains, frozen meals
Dell displays small slate computer, runs Android
|
Cambodia's ruling party warns KRouge court
U.S. to delay release of anticipated broadband plan
|
N.Korea celebrates birthday of leader's son: reports
Naked jogger nabbed after run near White House
Sumatran tiger cubs caught on video in Indonesia
US complains of Pakistan harassment of diplomats
Suicide bomber kills 7 in east Afghanistan market
Japanese firms slow construction of Dubai Metro
Taiwan's exports growth highest in almost 20 years
Taiwan group vows referendum to further block US beef
American Idol returns, but how long can it last?
|
Actor Gary Coleman released from hospital
Smithsonian exhibits celebrate Elvis in DC, LA
Dolby brings theater sound to new-age gadgets
Vietnam police say pirated discs seized
India's love of cars raises traffic horror fears
Art director John Shaffner voted TV Academy CEO
Alec Baldwin, Meryl Streep on tap for SAG Awards
`American Idol' thinks young, edgy in ninth season
'Grand Theft' Pays Off For TN Man
Frozen Kamikaze Iguanas Fall From Trees
US wary over granting Bagram inmates' rights
EU backs commissioner under fire from DR.Congo
Gates backs critique of spy agencies in Afghanistan
|
Ford rolls out 'tweets' for the connected car
Formula One boss launches Saab rescue bid: reports
Six suspected militants killed in Karachi blast
|
Israeli strikes on kill two Palestinians: medics
New Japan finance minister backtracks on yen after PM rebuke
|
Sony positive on gadget sales
Central banker steps down, vows legal action
Two ex-Blackwater staff charged with Afghan murders
Spanish police seize ETA collaborator: reports
Motorola shows media tablet with Nvidia chip
Israel signals tougher terms for prisoner swap talks
U.N. found Hezbollah arms pits in Lebanon: Israel
|
Argentine bank chief resigns, vows legal action
Immigrants and Italian police clash: report
expands Web-connected TV push
One dead in Israeli air raids on Gaza: medics
|
Hugh Grant sets marriage as New Year's resolution
Sony makes eco-friendly mini laptop
Israel signals tougher terms for prisoner swap talks
|
Casio picture frame turns digital photos into art
One dead in Israeli air raids on Gaza
Indian KKK news cartoon angers Australia
|
Borders in deal with Alex e-reader for e-books
Euro economic recovery labours in low gear
Israeli aircraft strike tunnels, Hamas targets
Verizon to sell two Palm phones on Jan 25
Iran strike could destabilize Middle East: Pentagon
|
U.N. found Hezbollah arms pits in Lebanon
Obama unveils reforms to boost US watchlists
France eyes 'Google tax' on Internet ads
Colombia declares fire disaster, to get U.S. help
|
Snowed-in Britons boost adultery website
Iran strike could destabilize Middle East
Gunmen shoot radio reporter in Philippines north
|
Sony positive on gadget sales
Ahead of U.S. peace push, Israel complains about Abbas
Motorola shows media tablet with Nvidia chip
Israel complains about Palestinian 'incitement'
Sony makes eco-friendly mini laptop
Verizon to sell two Palm phones on Jan 25
Tablet? Slate? New devices emerge as Apple looms
|
Intel unveils new microprocessors
|
Motorola shows media tablet with Nvidia chip
|
Cold grips nation as crash in snowy Ohio kills 4
Borders in deal with Alex e-reader for e-books
|
Turner bid for Yellowstone bison draws protest
Officials confirm probe of AZ sheriff, his office
Explosion at Karachi house kills at least 7
Blast at Ind. steel plant kills 1, injures 4
USB cable shock suspected in Colo. girl's injuries
Six suspected militants killed in Karachi blast
Sony positive on gadget sales
|
Jailing of China gang lawyer alarms legal world
Arizona concert promoter accused in Ponzi scheme
Explosion at Karachi house kills at least 6 men
U.S. to delay release of anticipated broadband plan
|
Officials: Grand jury investigating Ariz. sheriff
Sri Lanka accuses UN of war crimes 'crusade'
Explosion in Karachi house kills at least 6
AP Exclusive: Gates to stay at Pentagon
Malaysia church fire-bombed ahead of protests
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
AP NewsAlert
Indian KKK news cartoon angers Australia
Seoul shares turn up on shipyards; LG Elec falls
HIGHLIGHTS-South Korean c.bank chief's comments
Vietnam arrests former Jetstar Pacific boss
Beijing's per capita GDP expected to top $10,000
China Mobile dismisses vice chairman amid probe
PAKISTAN
Bank of Korea keeps interest rate at record low
Toyota's Prius top-selling car in Japan last year
Seoul shares decline; muted reaction to BOK
Taiwan dollar flat ahead of U.S. jobs report
Jay Leno Show future uncertain
|
Avatar ready for four-peat at box office
|
HBO nabs rights to Pablo Escobar documentary
HBO nabs rights to Pablo Escobar documentary
|
Source: NBC weighing Leno return to late-night
Emmys boss hopes show will stay on broadcast TV
|
Little frauds: Fox pulls "Genius" quiz show
Colo. judge orders Sheen to appear in court
|
Koppel being considered for return to ABC News
Little frauds: Fox pulls Genius quiz show
|
Emmys boss hopes show will stay on broadcast TV
NY judge orders Perelman pay ex-wife's company
|
Lil Wayne album still due February 2, label insists
|
Colo. judge orders Sheen to appear in court
Ethan Hawke bares fangs in movie Daybreakers
|
White House gate-crashers on list for Vegas party
"Avatar" ready for four-peat at box office
Reggae star Buju Banton pleads not guilty
Lil Wayne album still due February 2, label insists
Nude Jogger Nabbed Near White House; Authorities Check Out Package
South Sudanese fear post-secession tensions in north
N. Ireland policeman seriously injured by car bombing
U.S. senators defend Pakistan drone attacks
|
Unemployment hits 10% across eurozone
I don't need favour of foreign powers, says Karzai
Shots fired at Iran opposition leader Karoubi: report
|
Tough challenges for Zuma as South Africa's ANC turns 98
|
Palestinians seek to shut down settler trade
|
South Sudanese fear post-secession tensions in north
|
Car bomb seriously injures policeman in N. Ireland
|
Suspects in Egypt Coptic shooting turn themselves in
|
France to introduce body scanners at airports
|
Sri Lanka rejects U.N. execution video report
|
Australia slams Indian paper's Ku Klux Klan cartoon
Explosion in south Pakistan house kills at least 8
Nigerian bomb suspect due in US court
Anti-whaling boat left to sink in Antarctica
Gunmen wound broadcaster in Philippines
Court: China mob lawyer fabricated torture claim
A look at the experts shaping airline security
Death toll from gas leak triples to 21 in China
Mind-reading systems could change air security
Verizon to sell two Palm phones on Jan 25
|
Explosion at Karachi house kills at least 8
Restoration of lost Scientology materials complete
Thousands of Elvis fans to descend on Australian town
Borders in deal with Alex e-reader for e-books
|
Obama to speak on unemployment
U.S. senators defend Pakistan drone attacks
NATO: bomb kills US service member in Afghanistan
New smog rule could be a surprise to some counties
Christmas plane attack case will test defense
Drug benefit expanded to 1 million more seniors
China surpasses US in 2009 auto sales
Japan Airlines shares slump 12%
Panasonic aims to expand sales in green tech push
Jeon Ji-hyun to star opposite Zhang Ziyi in new English movie adapted from bestseller
Japan's Uniqlo enjoys soaring profit
Panasonic to expand solar cell, 3-D TV production
China approves stock futures, margin trading
Taiwan chip maker TSMC's sales surge in December
Australia's Felix to delay coal shipments to S.Korea-sources
Charlie Chaplin to be animated star
"Jay Leno Show" future uncertain
Female acts tipped for top again in 2010 pop polls
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights