Losing the intelligence war in Iraq

Post by **Vympel** » 2003-11-14 08:39am

A "tragic flaw in American character" is to blame?

In the intelligence war, Islamists have a distinct advantage. Among the ranks of Islamist radicals are thousands who have studied in the United States, speak serviceable English, and can move with ease in American society. How many field agents of American intelligence can move at ease in the Islamist milieu? German and British universities once produced spies who could speak half a dozen Arab dialects and recite the Koran from memory. Today's only superpower cannot recruit enough Arabic translators to handle routine intercepts.

Shinova · Post by **Shinova** » 2003-11-14 01:05pm

We just need that Cold War mentality again, that's all.

Otherwise the CIA and its fellows just don't take things seriously.

Companion Cube · Post by **Companion Cube** » 2003-11-14 01:53pm

Well, i'm sure they have plenty of Russian and Chinese speakers at least. Still, give 'em a few years.

Wicked Pilot · Post by **Wicked Pilot** » 2003-11-14 06:06pm

It would be easier to wipe the Arabics off the face of the earth. Let's do that instead.

Xenophobe3691 · Post by **Xenophobe3691** » 2003-11-14 06:10pm

Wicked Pilot wrote:It would be easier to wipe the Arabics off the face of the earth. Let's do that instead.

I'm hoping you really don't mean that...

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2003-11-14 06:20pm

Did any of you bother reading the article? Its claims lie primarily on the cultural side, and adopting a Cold War mentality won't help. What are they going to do, bash Islam the way they bashed Communism?

Wicked Pilot · Post by **Wicked Pilot** » 2003-11-14 06:38pm

Xenophobe3691 wrote:I'm hoping you really don't mean that...

Well, maybe not all of them. We've got an Omani officer in my unit and he seems pretty cool. We should spare him.

Montcalm · Post by **Montcalm** » 2003-11-14 07:20pm

When you count on the CIA for intelligence report you know you`re screwed.

Sarevok · Post by **Sarevok** » 2003-11-14 11:51pm

Vympel wrote:A "tragic flaw in American character" is to blame?

In the intelligence war, Islamists have a distinct advantage. Among the ranks of Islamist radicals are thousands who have studied in the United States, speak serviceable English, and can move with ease in American society. How many field agents of American intelligence can move at ease in the Islamist milieu? German and British universities once produced spies who could speak half a dozen Arab dialects and recite the Koran from memory. Today's only superpower cannot recruit enough Arabic translators to handle routine intercepts.

There are still people in the muslim world who are willing to work for the US despite the negative image surrounding the Bush administration.

I speak english, have lived in US and Ireland, can read and write Arabic. Besides that I have been to numerous south asian and arab countries and is familiar with their language and culture.

If I was old enough and despite my moral opposition to the current US foregein policy I would work for the US if they offered me. In the long run it is crucial that the US wins against terrorists.

Sarevok · Post by **Sarevok** » 2003-11-14 11:52pm

Wicked Pilot wrote:It would be easier to wipe the Arabics off the face of the earth. Let's do that instead.

That would make the US same as the Nazis.

Wicked Pilot · Post by **Wicked Pilot** » 2003-11-15 05:38pm

evilcat4000 wrote:
That would make the US same as the Nazis.

Damnit you're right! But can we at least maim them?

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Losing the intelligence war in Iraq

Losing the intelligence war in Iraq

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