Geopolitical Monitor - Topic: Covert Ops

July 15, 2008 (The Guardian) - MPs are calling for an investigation into allegations that British intelligence has "outsourced" the torture of British citizens to Pakistani security agencies after hearing accounts of people being abducted and subjected to mistreatment and, in some cases, released without charge.

MOSCOW July 11, 2008 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's foreign minister said on Friday that Iran's recent missile tests show it does not have ability to attack Europe, and disprove the U.S. justification for a missile shield in Central Europe.

BAGHDAD July 11, 2008 (Reuters) - Iraq's Defence Ministry on Friday denied any Israeli air force drills had taken place in its airspace after a report that the Israelis were preparing there for a possible strike on Iran.

July 9, 2008 (AFP) - The US Senate on Wednesday passed a bill expanding legal authority for electronic wiretaps by spy agencies, handing victory to President George W. Bush after a standoff over anti-terror strategy.

This past week, Iran noticeably softened its anti-West rhetoric, and European negotiators hinted that Iran may cooperate and abandon its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Israel conducted a massive military exercise simulating a mock attack on Iran, and the Bush administration has begun funnelling $500m towards Iranian insurgency groups. This seemingly contradictory events must be viewed as part of the brinksmanship game being played out by Iran and the West, and which will become ever more tense until Bush’s term expires in November.

July 7, 2008 (The Guardian.co) - Afghanistan's interior ministry has accused a foreign intelligence agency of involvement in a suicide attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul today that killed 41 people.

Contrary to claims of taking a more diplomatic approach with Iran, the Bush administration has significantly expanded US covert operations against the Islamic republic courtesy of a $400 million budget approved by Congress last year, thus foreshadowing preparations for war.

June 30, 2008 (AFP) - The White House declined to comment Monday on a news report that US lawmakers last year approved 400 million dollars to ramp up covert operations in Iran to undermine Tehran's leadership.

June 28, 2008 (Washington Post) - The United States and the European Union are nearing completion of an agreement allowing law enforcement and security agencies to obtain private information — like credit card transactions, travel histories and Internet browsing habits — about people on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

ISLAMABAD June 26, 2008 (Reuters) - Pakistan rejected as concocted lies on Thursday an Afghan accusation that Pakistan's main security agency was behind an attempt to kill Afghan President Hamid Karzai in April.