Double edged sword

With the release of the wikilinks documents, there has been a great deal of media play regarding Pakistan's support for the Taliban. The real question is the reason behind the ISI's support of insurgent activities. Here is my quick list:

1. Rogue elements in the intelligence sector with strong connections from the former Afghan insurgency against the Soviets with anti-American philosophies.  Is a decent explanation, as it details the apparent disconnect between Pakistan internal policies.

2. Playing both sides. By the Pakistani establishment betting on both horses, it creates an insurance policy for the outcome of the conflict. It could also create problems, as the victor will most certainly hold a grudge against Pakistan for its double dealing.

3. Considering I have no inside knowledge of the intelligence reports credibility and actuality, it is feasible that the reports are simply untrue. The question is whether these rumors would be so persistent.

4.  Potentially fabricated evidence by Pakistani and Afghan Taliban in order to create a rift between NATO and Pakistan. Unlikely I know, but always a possibility.

Love of Death

The announcement by Islamic Jihad in the West Bank of resuming their suicide bombing campaign has been receiving a decent amount of play in domestic Israeli media. (http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=183329) The first consideration of this announcement is the exact wording of the article and the quotes from the Islamic Jihad representative. “It’s very difficult to do these things because of the policy of security coordination and the arrest of [would be] suicide bombers.” While this blogger has no love for the security barrier or apartheid wall, depending on which of my friends you ask, there is no doubt that this structure has definitely increased the short term security of Israel by preventing a porous border. (it is kind of ridiculous that people still quote the fact that the Great Wall of China didn't stop the mongols citiwok style)

The grand question is whether this announcement was made as retaliation for the recent incursions of the IDF into Gaza or as a way to offset the budding (wishful thinking) direct talks that Obama is pushing on Abbas and Netanyahu?