Hamid Karzai's Brother Reportedly on CIA payroll

This is the kind of story that makes me want to think again about some of the more paranoid theories about the drug trade in the US.

Over the years, I've heard some fairly bizarre ideas about the CIA facilitating drug cartels as part of some deep dark "black ops" scheme. The alleged objectives have varied, but the basic theme remains the same. I've tended to raise an eyebrow at them and file them away in the "white devil mythology" category of delusions that are understandable but not very likely.

Then I read something like this and wonder if I should revisit the question.

Yeah I think we need more information - I'm not sure which way to go as I simply hate conspiracy theory stuff.

Here is what Ahmed Wali Karzai has said:

http://townhall.com/news/politics-el...r_gets_cia_pay

"Ahmed Wali Karzai told the Times that he cooperates with American civilian and military officials but does not engage in the drug trade and does not receive payments from the CIA.
Karzai helps the CIA operate a paramilitary group, the Kandahar Strike Force, that is used for raids against suspected insurgents and terrorists, according to several American officials. Karzai also is paid for allowing the CIA and American Special Operations troops to rent a large compound outside the city, which also is the base of the Kandahar Strike Force, the Times said.
Karzai also helps the CIA communicate with and sometimes meet with Afghans loyal to the Taliban, the newspaper reported.
CIA spokesman George Little declined to comment on the report."








http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/worl...ns-432020.html



. ."The New York Times cites current and former officials in Afghanistan as confirming the story. Mr Karzai denied the claims but said he does work with civilian organisations from outside the county.

He said: “I work with the Americans, the Canadians, the British, anyone who asks for my help. They (the CIA) do their own recruitment. I have no idea where they get their recruits. It’s absolutely ridiculous.”

If true, the allegations that Mr Karzai is in the pay of the CIA could prove an embarrassment for the US.. . ."


And then a few weeks ago:


http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...d-afghanistan/


"McCain said the corruption in Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government "has got to stop." He said Karzai's brother, Ahmed Wali Karzai, accused by some of drug trafficking, should leave the country.. . . ."

I think we'd be shocked and amazed to find out who is on their payroll.

This is OT, but only slightly, I think.

I just saw a History Channel show on the roots of the cocaine/crack problem here in the US. It's fascinating because it goes back to the indiginous people in South America chewing coca leaf all the way through it's discovery by western science, Sigmund Freud's addiction and its use in early health drinks like Coca Cola all the way to the role of race baiting in the early 20th century to advocate for laws against the stuff.

Fascinatin'.

This was interesting.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_...x5YmVhc3RleA--

"I called Mahmoud. He was angry. "This is being coordinated by the ISI (Pakistani intelligence service). They have been behind the assassinations of several provincial leaders who are against the Taliban. And my brother is the last major obstacle to them in the south. If they remove Ahmed Wali, the Taliban will fill the void.".......

I'm not saying either one . . . .but I found it interesting to read the responses of those who were accused. And in all fairness - they haven't been proven guilty and have a right to speak.

steph