US provided Bhutto with security intel

[deminks]

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The United States provided a steady stream of intelligence to Benazir Bhutto about threats against her before the former Pakistani prime minister was assassinated and advised her aides on how to boost security, although key suggestions appear to have gone unheeded, U.S. officials said Monday.

Senior U.S. diplomats had multiple conversations, including at least two private face-to-face meetings, with top members of Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party to discuss threats on her life and review her security arrangements after a suicide bombing marred her initial return to Pakistan from exile in October, the officials told The Associated Press.

The intelligence was also shared with the Pakistani government, the officials said.

Much of what was passed on dealt with general threats from Taliban extremists and al-Qaida sympathizers and "was not actionable information."

The officials said Bhutto and her aides were concerned, particularly after the October attack, but were adamant that in the absence of a specific and credible threat there would be few, if any, changes to her campaign schedule ahead of parliamentary elections.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071231/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_pakistan_3

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Article says Scotland Yard may be asked to get involved soon in the probe.

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. "US - intelligence" - who pays attention anymore?

.
.
.

Maybe the US "intelligence" was correct this time,

but

the World sorta yawns when the "US Intelligence" gang speaks - -

Wonder why - - -

[lostnfound]

2. Fox guards henhouse.

Musharraf is so cozy with the Bushies .
John Perkins discussed similar situations in 'Confessions of Economic Hit Man'.

[gulliver]

3. Gotta be super skeptical.

Sourcing the article to "officials" is a big, red flag. Why would the "officials" not go on record?

There needs to be independent investigation, and corroboration of any alleged "facts." And the facts all need to be on the record with named sources. Maybe the "U.S." gave neutrally obtained, useful intel to Bhutto or maybe they gave her some intel that came straight from Musharraf. Maybe it was Bush-league intel, i.e. incompetent, cooked, or both. The article seems like CYA and "blame the victim."

[ohio2007]

4. Bhutto wanted Blackwater for her security but Mushy nixed it and any other

foreign soldiers of fortune into his country. He worried they would become a force to be reckoned with.