What emerges here is not reassuring.
American militants like Anwar al-Awlaki are placed on a kill or capture list by a secretive panel of senior government officials, which then informs the president of its decisions, according to officials.
The President doesn't have to approve. He may disapprove, in which case the mission is halted.
...There is no public record of the operations or decisions of the panel, which is a subset of the White House's National Security Council, several current and former officials said. Neither is there any law establishing its existence or setting out the rules by which it is supposed to operate.
Sorry, gang. I don't like this at all.
"Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes visible on TV and covert operations secret even in success."
ReplyDeleteGWB - Sept. 21, 2011
This is no time for your feet to go cold. You are either with us, or you are with the terrorists. Buy more ammo!
Yeah yeah...2001.
ReplyDeleteNot the point.
ReplyDeleteAlAwookshnit was a bad guy. I don't question that. Nor do I question whether he should have been shot.
But "secret process"? "No guidelines in writing"? At the discretion of some NSC staffers?
Think you might be next? Why not?
If anony were next would it be in the news?
ReplyDelete"If you're not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about."
ReplyDeleteFWIW, I don't like it either.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the definition of wrong? If history is a guide its meaning can change on a moments notice.
ReplyDelete