Italy prosecutors seek extradition of CIA agents (who are accused of kidnapping terrorist)

Reuters ^ | Nov. 11, 2005 | Phil Stewart

[SpringheelJack]

We had the cooperation of the intelligence service, probably at a very high level.

You're assuming that. I don't think there's any concrete evidence, though.

We certainly didn't tell the Milan prosecutor, judges, cop on the beat, media. That's why it's covert.

Was it legal, is the question? Could the American agents be granted powers of arrest, and were they?

As for that lack of Germany's cooperation in the alternate reality abduction of Atta, 3000 Americans were not available for comment.

Nor the unknown numbers of Americans in the future who would have to bear the brunt of any new, loose legal standards set. It's risible to think that tactics we use won't be used against us some day, when we're the weak nation and some other is the strong one.

[endthematrix]

"Was it legal, is the question? "

This ain't about global tests. Right now there are foreign agents within the US. They are spying and recruiting. We are doing the same. Legal? C'mon!

[Patriot from Philly]

Current and former CIA officials said that the Agency is very careful about operations like these. The lawyers all sign off on them and it would be unheard of for it not to be done with the host government's consent. Since this would be illegal in Italy, the US gave the Italians cover.

The recent history of treating terrorism as a legal issue has proved to be a failure. We can debate on how to change this but that is the fact.

One trial in New York exposed information that the US was listening to UBL's satellite phone and he quickly stopped communicating that way.

Many fewer Americans have died as a result of terrorist attacks since the US has started treating terrorism like an act of war and not a crime.

[SpringheelJack]

This ain't about global tests. Right now there are foreign agents within the US. They are spying and recruiting. We are doing the same. Legal? C'mon!

Great answer. Now how many cheers are you going to shout when Chile abducts Henry Kissinger to answer charges made against him four years ago?

[SpringheelJack]

As I said, no concrete evidence whatsoever that we had Italian cooperation on this; they deny it. Just assumptions that nobody in the Agency could possibly have been that stupid.......

In any case, I haven't seen one good reason why we didn't have the Italian authorities nab this man and then work on getting the extradition paperwork filled out. I don't know quite what you mean when you say that "treating terrorism as a legal issue" has failed, but if we start feeling we have a right to blow apart the legal system in order to combat terrorism I figure it will inevitably blow up in our faces.

[endthematrix]

IIRC he's supposed (was) to testify. I guess he may have to sell any owned time-shares there. You don't think our Sec of State ROTFL when Chile charged the good Dr? That aside, you think world dignitaries aren't at risk? They are a hell of a lot less at risk than spies! And sure as hell again, terrorists have NOWHERE to run.

You may forget that the spy community have codes of conduct.

[SpringheelJack]

IIRC he's supposed (was) to testify. I guess he may have to sell any owned time-shares there. You don't think our Sec of State ROTFL when Chile charged the good Dr? That aside, you think world dignitaries aren't at risk? They are a hell of a lot less at risk than spies! And sure as hell again, terrorists have NOWHERE to run.

They want him and we won't give him. Send in the goons!

You may forget that the spy community have codes of conduct.

What, it's written in the secret bylaws that you can't abduct Henry Kissinger? What a relief. Sleep easy, Henry. Every spy's a gentleman and won't touch you.

[endthematrix]

I didn't say sleep easy. I'm sure he gets tense when the private jet has to refuel anywhere in S America. "What, it's written in the secret bylaws that you can't abduct Henry Kissinger? "

In regards to Statemen (not spies) diplomacy says that kidnapping US dignitaries carry a heavy response. For spies it means back channel agent swapping.

[SpringheelJack]

In regards to Statemen (not spies) diplomacy says that kidnapping US dignitaries carry a heavy response.

Now, maybe. But what the hell are we going to do when we're no longer a strong nation? How we use our power now is how it will later be used against us.

[endthematrix]

"We should be trying to build a world, at this unique moment in history, that we would like to live in when we're not the only big dog on the block." - Former President Bill Clinton

Bye!

[SpringheelJack]

Clinton happened to be right, though it's so uncontroversial a statement that I don't think any of the 41 other presidents in history would have disagreed.

[aculeus]

WaPo version here ...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/11/AR2005111102065.html

[Old Flat Toad]

Any of these CIA agents involved in the transfer of "Forged Documents "also?

[cynicom]

Have the Italians finished the job of picking up the rifles they dropped during WW2???

[MilleniumBug]

We would be glad to send Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame to Italy instead.

[pepsionice]

It would be interesting to see a dozen Italian agents sent into the US and attempt to kidnap a couple of these CIA guys...to take back to Italy.

This would actually even make a great Italian comedy. Guido and the boys arrive in Arlington...and start at house number one...to find some whiny CIA bureau wife who gets dragged along. Guido falls in love with the whiny American gal. Guido and the boys get lost in the country and accidentally cross over into West Virgina...where things are a little different. Guido and the boys get drunk on Miller High-lite and lose their Italian made car...and have to drive a Chevy. Guido and the boys meet an Tony Soporano who convinces them to give up the mission and become members of his respectable waste management team. The head of the prosecution team in Italy slams his hands on the desk in the closing scene...."dosa danga Americanis....they ascrew you every time".

[Auntie Dem]

Now, maybe. But what the hell are we going to do when we're no longer a strong nation? How we use our power now is how it will later be used against us.

You must think the demoncrats "plans" (such as they are) to make us a third world country (because they are the only virtuous ones), are going to suceed. It's going to take more than a few forged documents, and constant lies to accomplish that.

And about this alleged CIA kidnapping... It couldn't be OUR CIA, because they wouldn't know a muslim extremist if he bit them on the ass. They've already proven that.

[Old Flat Toad]

Nah, They need to be kept here (For trial and execution).

[demkicker]

What you said, Auntie Dem!