Our secret war in Pakistan

Tonya Adams — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:25:34 GMT

So why the heck would you publish ANYTHING that could be confidential or risk the troops over there...

The liberal media, hard at work, ripping apart this country with twisted views and pure lies...

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jay, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:29:59 GMT

I'm not surprised that the US has stepped up cross border attacks. In time hopefully the government in Pakistan will become more aggressive and move further into the tribal regions. If these areas are as remote as they are made out to be, I'm not surprised that American Special Operations teams and drones are being employed to combat the threat. And finally, it's nearing the end of Bush's term, and we all know he'd like to bag Bin Ladin before 1/20/2009.

Our secret war in Pakistan

trueamerican — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:39:55 GMT

Thank you for posting the news of these covert missions on the world wide web for every terrorist organization to read and prepare to retaliate against. You are a true American. Or a true idiot.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Doug, Columbus, OH — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:49:27 GMT

Is this a last ditch effort by the Bush administration to catch/kill Bin Laden? Doing so would certainly put a positive spin on his otherwise unpopular presidency.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Joe Delgado — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:53:42 GMT

Please do not ask ! They are there doing what you would never understand but feel you can judge. They do while you only talk. SO you have your RIGHTS.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Nathan Buchanan, Cincinnati , Ohio — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:07:31 GMT

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't articles like these put the special forces in danger of being caught or found out? You would think that America would want them to stay as covert and secret as possible.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:21:03 GMT

Another great article by Richard Engel exposing the dirty little secert war that will only end up alienating Pakistan. Too bad "Warmonger" Bush kept backing that fool Musharraf who was no help at all in battling the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Now we're on the brink of a shooting war with the Pakistanis.

If some of those special forces get captured behind Pakistani borders it will really cause a problem.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Our secret war in Pakistan

henry buehler , Chicago Illinois — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:27:48 GMT

We could support people of Pakistan who are fighting for their lives against the Taliban. Without our shooting or bombing anyone. Those actions make the problem worse.

Greetings. Parachinar is cut off, the only route to it is through Afghan territory. The warlord there Rasul Sayyaf has interrupted flow. So the answer is that I dont know of any way that flour can be sent - it has to be a humanitarian approach - an airlift perhaps!
Regards,
Khalid Aziz (azizkhalid@gmail.com)

The students hailing from Parachinar area, studying and residing here in hostels, including girls have appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari and NWFP Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani for the resumption of Pakistan Airline (PIA) Service to the area as due to blocked roads, insecurity and violence they had not visited their homes for the last one and half year.
Due to volatile situation in Kurram Agency many students from the area, particularly Parachinar, residing here in hostels would not be able to celebrate Eidul Fitr, like last year’s Eidul Azha, with their families and if there was any chance for them to visit homes that would be through air travel.
The Tall-Parachinar Road was still closed while the road beyond Hangu is also not yet secure for travellers. Wali Muhmmad, a student of BSc here at a private university, said “Previously, we would go to Parachinar via Afghanistan but due to frequent incidents of kidnapping in Khyber Agency, now that route of Torkham was also insecure, leave apart the heavy cost and time consumption”. The students of the area deserved to be provided with air travel facility from Peshawar as the country has C-130 aeroplanes and even the NWFP governor Owais Ahmed Ghani can order arrangement for the desperate students to visit their homes, said a university teacher on condition of anonymity.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Byron, Salt Lake, Utah — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:34:11 GMT

Wow, this is amazing story. Now the War has spread to a third country. Does the Military need congressional approval to fight in Pakistan?

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jake Cerchiori — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:36:18 GMT

hence the "SECRET WAR" omg you IDIOTS!!

Our secret war in Pakistan

Lateef Baaset — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:38:55 GMT

Didn't the US Military wage a "secret/covert" war into Laos and Cambodia while they were in Vietnam? What lesson learned during that strategic military operation are being applied here? Or is it the same stategy? How much longer will the US keep engaging in the Rove doctrine of forcing its presence in these Muslim countires around the world until they all think and act like us? I belive the Russians gave ten years and many of there childrens lives before they gave up in Afghanistan. Those who don't learn from history...

Our secret war in Pakistan

LyndaLDuke,El Paso, TX — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:39:51 GMT

Pakistan did not give us permission to cross their borders to start shooting at its people - whether or not terrorists were crossing the border or not. Are we trying to get into a WORLD WAR here???? Is this what we want?? If so, let me know, I'll move away.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Politico - New York — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:41:06 GMT

There are two sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. One side is controlled by the NATO forces the other side is Pakistani. However it is easy to blame the Pakistani side for our failures in Afghanistan and our inability to control the Afghan side of the border. If anyone one has read history of the region dating back to the First Afghan War or even before, will realise, the region cannot be conquered by force, or sporadic special ops.

Evern since the invasion of Afghanistan the poppy crop has been the best in the history of the opium trade that today is funding the Talibans. Special Ops killing women and children creates more hatred then love in the arean of war against the Talibans.

Let us(US) not destroy another country, by lighting Bush fires that we cannot control.

Our secret war in Pakistan

JC, Dallas TX — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:43:18 GMT

Americans did leave some very solid proof that they were involved in a militia style battle with the Pakistani military in Swat area and that was when they were fighting in disguise (pretending to be terroists with beards and taliban style clothing) with the Pakistani military. Americans had few casualties and when the dead bodies were stripped off their clothes none of the pretenders were circumcized. Note that all muslims have to be circumcized to be called muslims. Now you do the math who's fighting and who's blowing up the girl's schools and bridges. It's the deep politics of the US that want to see Pakistan unstable and is trying so hard to prove that Paksitan is not doing enough to erradicate terrorists. If the US can provide videos of how terrorist are crossing the border then why don't they kill them at the spot??? I would love to see that day when the US will leave all the politics behind and actually kill these terrorist and not become one of them.

Our secret war in Pakistan

ROGER — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:44:47 GMT

WE DONT NEED PERMISSION TO DEFEND OUR TROOPS FROM AN
ENEMY USING A NEUTRAL COUNTRY TO HIDE IN.ATTACK AND
TAKE OUT THESE MURDERS.THEY NOT ONLY KILL OUR SOLDIERS
,THEY KILL THEIR OWN PEOPLE.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Joe Johnson — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:45:09 GMT

I guess Obama is a "warmonger" too since he said he plans on doing the exact same thing...go into Pakistan to get bin Laden.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Susan, Island Park, NY — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:46:50 GMT

I guess it is not so 'secret' anymore, now, is it? Why didn't you include a map of where they are as well? Another effort by the liberal media to place our troops in danger.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Lateef Baaset, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:47:08 GMT

...and by the way, for all of you desktop soldiers out there whinning about the "liberal" media for address the "secret" incursions, aren't these the same "secret" incursions that Secretary of Defense Gates just flew over to Pakistan to apologize IN PERSON for the civilian casulaties that these incursion were causing? What a secret! You right-wing conservative dittohead sheep just keep chewing your cud while the "liberal" media just tries to keep up the real world. Go back to sleep....

Our secret war in Pakistan

Politica - New York — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:47:45 GMT

To Joe Delgado's comment I would say dream on in your own world that the wrong policies of the current administration and the illegal covert operations, are keep us safe. Its people like him who let others think for them.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Leafgreen, Af. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:47:49 GMT

Tonya you silly moron. Mr. Engle is not divulging any specific mission information that would put us at risk. It's quite general, really. You've obviously never been in the mil. You just listen to Fox News.
USMC, Afghanistan

Our secret war in Pakistan

Wes, Austin, Texas — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:48:47 GMT

The media's agenda(s) have gotten in the way of their civic responsibility. This type of reporting endangers the lives of American troops, and ultimately the very Pakistanis who are in fear of the Taliban and their jihadist henchmen from Al Qaeda.

Perhaps the media would understand the risks if their confidential information was shared. Imagine the glee in identity theives' eyes if someone was to report that there is a back way into the NBC mailroom where payroll records are kept. Same difference, except that time, lives aren't threatened.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Mike — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:48:47 GMT

I love the first comment from Tanya, it seems she is confusing MSNBC for FOX. Of course we could all turn to FOX for the 'truth'....right??? Perhaps a liberal media is the only source of transparency in the Bush years of the Bush Doctrine sponsored by the GOP who is supporting McSame & Palin. Why is it conservatives want to control the liberal media?? This alone concerns me. Get a grip Tanya, if you want a Democracy, then welcome with open arms outlets like FOX, CNN, MSNBC, CBS, The Nation and yes, Human Events.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Paul Patterson — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:50:44 GMT

Khalid's plea for help is at once a wonder of our modern age and agonizing in that he has to reach out to a web page.Our hearts go out to him.Also,I beleive Richard's message to be fully sanctioned by the U.S.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Brian, LA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:40:16 GMT

Once again, how we can get out from this???....
No one, look like we get into a WWIII with a nuclear episode, in all arround the globe now how are goin to be the allies and the block, who is taking us there???
can we STOP these....

Our secret war in Pakistan

Justin, Boston — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:40:28 GMT

Its called freedom of the press! its not like Engel is giving away specific troop movement info (the border is enormous) and i think its pretty safe to say that the Taliban and AL-Qaida know we are there. Please spare us the Foxnews talking points.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jim K, Dallas — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:40:30 GMT

Once again...most of the conservatives are missing the big picture while trying to blindly support our actions. Lets start with the fact that George W. (in his infinte stupidity) gave a green light to Pakistan to become a nuclear power. All of the concessions he gave to shore up support for his war of lies in Iraq. Here we go again...putting out trust in a country that will most certainly turn on us. Smart!!! So...while John McCain redicules Obama for stating publicly that (If Neccessary) he would strike Pakistan, George W. has already signed secret orders to strike with in the borders of our ally (without their permission). Even Smarter! At least announcing publicly that you would be inclined to make a policy to strike another country gives that country time to get on the stick and possibly open a dialogue with you to try to imporve the situation. For those of you that support George W (and his henchmen) it is called making a public threat to initiate a line of diplomatic talks. But since diplomacy is a term this administration does not understand...I'll have to cut you some slack on that. Bottom line...this is just another mess that the next president will have to fix. That is the legacy of the Bush administration...ONE BIG MESS LEFT BEHIND. So...when Pakistan gets pissed enough to start threatening to use nuclear weapons...remember who let them have them.

Our secret war in Pakistan

john — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:42:25 GMT

I hope USA will respect the dignity of another religion and race ...civilized people will never attack another country just for sedism.Please make this world prosperous of love and respect not arrogant.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jim, Madison, WI — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:42:33 GMT

All of you who are blaming the "liberal" media need to take a refresher in Reading is Fundamental!

Re-read the article and see if you can find a reference to the "Military Times". . . Duh I hope you aren't voting, you obviously can't comprehend.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Mrbinga, Washington — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:44:43 GMT

Hey Politica - New York, Obama did say he would go into Pakistan to kill or capture terrorist targets. If you don't believe me here is him saying it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw2XTC1V4fk

Our secret war in Pakistan

Cliff Higgs, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:44:52 GMT

To those criticizing Richard Engel for writing this story: you'd have to be an idiot to think that the al-Qaida fighters and other terrorists in Pakistan and Afghanistan don't know about the covert operations against them by the United States. Also, the U. S. military approved of Mr. Engel's presence at forward bases, and therefore implicitly (or, perhaps, explicitly) approved this message. Get a life.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Khalil, Danbury, CT — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:45:07 GMT

Some people accuse the liberal media of 'giving aid to the enemy'. If it wasn't for freedom of the press we wouldn't have many of our constitutional rights protected. Freedom of speech is one of them. This is why we all have the 'luxury' of THIS forum to criticize this article from what ever our point of view is. Try that on FOX with O'Reilly, if he let's you get a 'word in edge-wise' during his 'smack-down'. We must have and be grateful for a free press! It is our only means of getting the 'whole' story, from all points of view. ...Unless you want to believe anything those liars in Washington tell you!?!

Our secret war in Pakistan

Ari Cohen — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:46:25 GMT

Amazing... People are talking strategy when no one bothered to ask, "are these operations legal?" Not according to international law. Either our government needs to publicly say that they are disregarding international law & are above it, or follow the rules. By disregarding international law, we have no right to expect other nations to follow it as well. European news call our soldiers (this special-ops group), "American terrorist sleeper cells." Gee, I wonder where they learned that sort of rhetoric? Our government created & funded the Taliban to fight the USSR, now we are paying for our stupidity.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jay Atlanta GA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:47:37 GMT

I had written to CIA soon after 9/11 to look out for Pakistan. ISI trains the goons to go into Afghanistan and India to kill innocent people. It is about time US took charge and went after all these people.Richard is not the first one to find out about what is happening in these border towns. Indian news papers have been saying this for more than two years.All these years Pakistan has done is to take large sums of $$$$ to "fight" the terrorists. So far we have seen no results. Spend this money on a meaningful mercenary squad and they will get the job done in a month. Pakistan is responsible for letting Taliban into their country to reside and train. Now they are paying the price! What goes around comes around.

Our secret war in Pakistan

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:48:06 GMT

Tonya, you don't understand psy ops! I'm sure you have lots of experience from your military career. Oh-you don't? Well I do. I have the scars,and medals to prove it. What has the liberal media to do with this. The Taliban and Al-Qaida read this and it just might scare them into making costly mistakes. Think past your brain washing as to liberals and conservatives and look at things as a realist. If you haven't been shot, bombed, scared to death in the middle of nowhere, you have no right to make assumptions. Freedom of speech-Absolutely, irresponsible babble-tsk tsk!!

Our secret war in Pakistan

Annetta Adams, Texas — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:48:19 GMT

Thank you for printing this secret and putting our sons and daughters in harms way.

Our secret war in Pakistan

riffat,Islamabad.Pakistan. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:50:58 GMT

Our secret war in Pakistan

Mike, Montgomery, TX — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:16:40 GMT

Once agasin, the liberal media's "right to know" outweighs a national security issue that should have remained unmentioned. Do they really think that telling the world everything about our operations is going to benefit our military in that particular region of the world? Whose side are they really supporting in an article like this? Not America's, obviouisly!! It seems that the media is actually compaigning to run the country and influence how it conducts its affairs and tell us who is qualified to lead the US. The media can't wait to tell the world of how our miltary conducts its operations, an act act that aides the terrorists by disclosing vital information on what we are doing to capture them so they can avoid said capture. In spite of the beliefs of many, war cannot be waged by a set of rules that are only adherred to by one side(us) and not the other. There has been a ton of messages condemning torture by our troops but nothing was ever said about the inhumane abuse by the other side to its enemies. The insurgents got a pass on that issue by the liberals and weak-minded souls that bemoan the war daily but enjoy the freedoms that wars like this one have given them. The country is probably going to elect a liberal to the White House and the first thing he is going to do is order our military to retreat in the face of our enemies with his withdrawal plan. Be proud, America, for liberals like that and for the liberal media who chooses to continually aid the enemy with their wanton reporting. Traitors all!!

Our secret war in Pakistan

Nancy Korb, Bushkill, Pennsylvania — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:17:32 GMT

PLEASE go to http://www.Obsessionthemovie.com and see what is really happening in the Middle East. I was shocked to find out what we have not been told and just how bad this war is. I was sent this DVD in the mail and I don't know who it came from, but it explains what is happening in Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, and Israel, as well as around the world.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Raymond P Camarillo, CA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:18:26 GMT

Secret war or not. It doesn't matter. As long as the people hate us, we cannot win. As long as the locals grow poppies for their livelihood, we cannot win. It is like the oil trade. They cannot eat it, but somebody else in another part of the world sure wants it, and they are willing to trade cash, military trinkets (guns and bullets), political power, pickup trucks, cell phones, cloth goods, food products, etc. for it... We cannot win the hearts and minds of the locals, because the world's drug trafficking will always be there, along with their distrust and hatred of Americans. Leave it and get on with causes that demonstrate to the locals an acceptance of their life's worth to the rest of the world. They will figure out who the real enslavers are on their own.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Bosco,Livonia,Michigan — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:18:59 GMT

If the U.S. hadn't 'cut and run' so many troops out of Afghanistan in '03 for the Iraq war that bush started, this thing might have been finished. It sounds like the only people who don't know about this war are the American public.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Javid the afghan — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:22:39 GMT

As an Afghan, I will tell you that this will create more resentment toward the US..The taliban will use this as a tool to recruit new fighters. The new govt in pakistan is already in trouble with the rising of talibans in the tribal areas. Cross border raids will only make taliban and alqaeda strong

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jim, Jacksonville, FL — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:57:40 GMT

I just left Pakisatm this April, and if I knew I had to live in Pakistan long term, I would prefer to be blown up. I stayed at the Marriott and it was a nice place. The Serena hotel is the only other place to stay in Islamabad now that the Marriott is gone. The ISI are a bunch of thugs that control the government. During my stay, my room was bugged, my cell phone was monitored, and I was watched everywhere I went. Pakistan is a true police state and the politicians are more corrupt than ours. If you can believe that!

Our secret war in Pakistan

Arnold Serame, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:58:02 GMT

To everyone here who thinks this article places our American trooops in danger : the people in the region Richard Engel talks about knows that all of this is going on. They see the drones, see the SpecOps forces making their raids. This is common knowledge in the tribal areas of Pakistan and Al Qaeda definitely knows they're being hunted or they wouldn't have such elaborate systems in place to keep their leaders hidden.

Publishing common knowledge in embattled areas does not further endanger our troops who are already running dangerous missions.

The"secret" Richard Engel talks about is that fact that we as Americans don't know the full extent of the war going on in Western Pakistan. We are not being told the truth on the full extent of the resources that the Pakistani military IS putting into the region. We are not being told the complete truth on how much this war may be widening into another country.

Thank you Richard Engel for taking the risk to keep us informed.

Our secret war in Pakistan

brab, Lexington, SC — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:58:17 GMT

You people who call this reporter, un-american are idiots. Would you rather not know what our milatary is doing. You think the Pakistanis and Taliban don't know where these attacks are coming from? Do away with the free press and joint the Taliban.

Our secret war in Pakistan

shut up whiners — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:02:22 GMT

how many people here have served overseas who says liberals don't know what they are talking about?? you dipshits need to realize ONLY people who have served in a real war to actually defend our country HAVE THE RIGHT to protect our democracy, integrity, and respect of our country, which in the end is all we have???...secret wars where private right wing evangelical mercenaries funded with our tax money subvert military aims in pursuit of an ideological "war on terror" promoting a utopian social engineering experiment which has failed, and yet succeeded once again in breaking up a sovereign nation all so we can divide and conquer and steal their resources....

you CANNOT say you respect our military and say you support bush...they are in conflict with one another with different goals....our military, an all volunteer force, until mccain starts another meaningless war, is defending our country...while bush is trying to undermine our freedom at every turn...join veterans for peace or go serve overseas or shut the *()#$ up...you are a bunch of whiners, just like mccain says....

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jeff. Orlando FL — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:04:32 GMT

We're talking about a region of the world that has NEVER been successfully taken by a military force. Look at history, back to Alexander the Great! No one can hold Wazieristan! Now, the big issue here is ignoring the soveriegnty of anaton with nuclear capabilities. There as of yet is not a sound technology to avert a nuclear attack. Pakistan IS an allied nation. We must respect their laws, customs, and most importantly, International laws regarding forign wars. We already have a two -front war going (which, by the way, is also a military impossibility. Napolian and Hitler both failed to succeed on two fronts), and to start a war on a third front in Pakistan would be suicide for our forces. Our self-righteous Bush administation policies are the single most dangerous threat to our nation. How can we tell Russia not to invade Georgia if we won't respect the soveriegnty of Pakistan? Are we that short-sighted or hypocritical? We as a nation must use diplomacy first in ALL FORIGN AFFAIRS FIRST! Military should only be a last resort. We can get Bin Laden without forsaking international law!

Our secret war in Pakistan

J Kay — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:04:38 GMT

Secret? What secret with all these news media publishing everything going on. It's a miracle any of these things get done. Used to be called treason, still is.

Our secret war in Pakistan

maria, riverside, california — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:04:41 GMT

This is only a secret war for Americans at home. Congress is not discussing its funding, the candidates are not debating it, and the main stream media has not really covered it, so it's really a secret only here at home. Pakistanis, the Taliban, the US Military and the chain of command all the way up to the Commander in Chief, and other main players and victims know all about it.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Shane Black — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:05:30 GMT

It always the same from the libs. They are SO much smarter than everyone else and the rest of us are just idiots.

Like that uniformed person who blames Bush for Pakistans nuke capabilities. I pretty sure that the same person who gave them nukes gave them to the the North Koreans and gave our missile technology to the Chinese. That's right it was CLINTON. Oh and lets not forget his "illegal" war with all the bombing and innocent civillian lives lost. We didn't get to see much of that on the TV cuz well the liberal media loved Clinton. Where was the outrage then?

If you think you get a fair view point on CNN, ABC, CBS etc you may really be in la la land. Thats almost laughable someone mentioned that. No they don't skew the news to the ultra left at all. They report the WHOLE story never leaving out the important parts. Like the economic problems. Their story, Bush is Prez its his fault. Full story, Bush, Clinton and other tried to regulate Fannie Mae and Feddy Mac years ago but were rebuffed by Dems. Barney Frank was lead of the oversight comittee of these institutions and took millions from them but bares no responsibility. Obama took the second highest amount of money from these places but blames Bush. The CEO of these instittions are Obama's economic advisors etc. Dems don't wont to hear that, its Bush's fault is all they know. Yet we are the stupid ones. How laughable.

Finally, what happened to our country? We are so wimpy now its embarrassing. You people are blaming us for how Pakistan is becoming? We were nowhere near Afghanistan when the Taliban ruin that country. They are doin the exact same thing to Pakistan you fools. It has nothing to do with us. The Taliban doesn't ask Afghanistan to come into its country to attach our bases or its people. Why in GOD's name, (oops can i say that anymore) would we announce our impending attack. Since when do we need permission to defend ourselves?

Freedom of the press doesn't mean freedom to print unbiased one sided slam pieces and it doesn't shield you from braking law. Print the WHOLE truth and let us decide.

Our secret war in Pakistan

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:06:19 GMT

After spending almost 3 years in in the early 80s in the mtn. area under discussion here, I know a bit about it. 1st you could find a needle in a haystack a mile around easier than you could find the mtn. cave dwellers. The Soviets had over 100,000 men looking for us, but they very rarely saw any of us unless we attacked them. 2nd While I am NOT a bush fan, I can tell you that El-Qaida wish to kill all non-believers and have zeroed in on the US & English, and NOT just military...men, women & children, and they have and are doing it; so, we can either fight them or you can become a believer in Muhmmad. They believe all the world should be "believers" or be dead. Which do you choose ?

Our secret war in Pakistan

john doe, seattle, wash — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:06:44 GMT

Why would anyone attack the media for publishing this article?
Yeah, right! The Taliban and the terrorists were completely oblivious to the Special Ops activity until this article was published. Get a grip. I love this country. It's the wealthiest most powerful country in the world with the most advanced military technology on the planet. We've deployed the best we have to offer these past 4 plus years to actively engage the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I think they know we are there. Any day now we will demonstrate to the world the effectiveness of our military might by announcing "Mission Accomplished." It's a little unnerving however to assume a backward country like Pakistan is going to make the difference in the war were we have not despite 4 plus years of trying. Nevertheless, this "shadow war" was only a secret to the arm chair warriors that spend more time playing make-believe war games on their computers in air conditioned homes, sucking down sodas and Doritos, than actually being informed of the global strategic intricacies of this war. Can someone say red herring?

Our secret war in Pakistan

10MtnOEF — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:11:09 GMT

To all you liberals out there if you havent been over there then you have no idea what is going on over there. They run across shoot and then dip back into Pakistan. If you dont have the courage to stand behind our military then by all means get right in front of us. Until then keep you mouth shut. As for LyndaLDuke if you want to bail on your country let me know Ill come help you pack your spineless bags.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Dave, Thousand Oaks, ca — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:11:10 GMT

The Clinton years proved you cannot treat terrorists as either criminals or national armies-you must treat them as terrorists. The only thing that will work is nonstop aggressive action to kill the hard-core and dissuade the as yet non-involved. It's called the surge in Iraq.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Julia, New York, NY — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:13:53 GMT

to those of you who criticize the media in printing this, for putting "our sons and daughters in harms way" try thinking about it this way: if the US citizens realize what is really happening, secretly approved by the presidential administration, perhaps at last we can take full advantage of our democratic rights and get these kids out of the Middle East. If we choose to remain ignorant of what is happening, then we are allowing these soldiers to be in harms way. So why don't we focus on getting them out of there and home safely?!

Our secret war in Pakistan

bobf — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:15:53 GMT

WOW, look at all the conservative cowards come out and pile on. I wish you idiots would learn to use your brain , instead of being told what to think and say. These are typical responses from your wanna-be people that were to afraid to fight for their country. That is why they blindly join and follow the republican party to compensate for no balls(I mean courage). Just because you lacked the courage to serve does not give you the right to cry the sky is falling every time the press reports situations. These cowards do not care one bit about the service men or women, it is all about scoring political points for their party. Remember screaming and yelling is not patriotic or courageous, it is what cowards do best.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Steven, San Bruno — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:18:59 GMT

I felt so badly for the poor people in the villages and that former resort town that has been overtaken by terrorists. People in the villages are afraid to have weddings, social gatherings, and other ceremonies because they are afraid of being blown up by drones. They feel terrified every time they hear the drumming noise. Terrified...those are innocent people we are scaring literally to death. Makes me wonder who are the terrorist? Isn't that was a terrorist does? Terrify innocents? How would Americans feel if they saw drones coming into their towns and blowing people up?

As far as blowing their cover, I don't think this story changes anything. I think the terrorists and people of that region already know that special ops are over there. That's how they got this story if I'm not mistaken, from the villagers who told them what was going on. I doubt anyone from Washington contributed to this story.

Our secret war in Pakistan

FoeHammer — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:23:01 GMT

To all of you people that seem to think that you can even slightly comprehend what is going on remember this. IF it wasn't for the media and public outcry during Vietnam we would have won the war. We broke the back of the NVA and Vietcong after the tet offensive. The outcome of that offensive wasn’t even properly analyzed and recognized by the public for decades. That being said, I do believe it is an absolute necessity for us to go around the world and stomp out these barbarians wherever they decide to reside. If the government of the country they reside in does not do enough or will not cooperate then we should be Sua Sponte and take it to them before they can take it to us. This complacent attitude is what got us to this point in the first place. I do not agree with the mobilization of the entire military into Iraq, but SF teams doing what they do best is what keeps us safe at night. By the way, this is definitely not a new phenomenon; we have been doing this for years. So please spare your outrage and dissidents for the people that would have us be attacked again, and this time possibly by a nuclear weapon. These terrorists live like and have the mindset of animals, do not elevate them to our level.
Go Spec Ops and SF; make them fear us like they should.

Former Operator

Our secret war in Pakistan

Erik N. Sacramento — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:23:09 GMT

Guaranteed if we just stop messing around in the sticks we wouldnt have these problems. Our military is designed to defeat other Countrys Armed forces not individuals hiding in caves. And definately not "Peace keeping". If we leave them alone and let them kill themselves off and let the law of attrition work it will be fine. I swear America thinks terrorism is new or something. What a sound bite world we are living in.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jeff Redden, Dallas,TX — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:23:58 GMT

I'm SICK OF HEARING THAT THE PAKISTANI PEOPLE BLAME THE AMERICANS!!! Take care of your madrasses!!! Stand up to your own people!!! The Pakistani official said he was concerned that their army forces would get cut off in their own country? But they talk about sovereignity? How 'bout this... get the hell out of the way, take cover, and bring a broom to clean up the mess when we're thru!!!!! If you don't like our methods, IMPROVE YOURS! The U.S. didn't disassemble the power system in SWAT, why don't the locals blame the right people? I say any Pakistani soldier that fires a sling shot at an American/coalition troop had better be wearing kevlar.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Bear — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:28:16 GMT

What about the poppy fields? Do you think it has something to do with protecting the poppy fields from certain area warlords. Similar to the Pheonix missions in Cambodia and North Vietnam.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Howard White — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:28:50 GMT

Ms. Adams ; Not to worry - the Taliban and Al Queda already know we're coming in to kill them in Pakistan .If you saw "60 Minutes" on 10/05 they were talking to the Delta Force officer who lead a team into Pakistan in 2001,shortly after 9/11, and were within 2000 meters of bin Laden. So nothing new is being leaked to the enemy

Our secret war in Pakistan

MJ, Minneapolis, MN — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:30:28 GMT

What a joke, only 30,000 Nato troops and Our troops, watching over the border, (oh actually making videos) of bad guys crossing the border and they don't shoot them right there on Afghan side border but we love whinning. Not to say, back in 1980 all those guys had been trained and funded by CIA . Our troops and Nato are also watching Opium fields and they use the money to buy weapons and don't do nothing. The truth is troops can't even get out too far from Kabil and their bases, so the only option we have left with to blame on Pakistan.stop killing innocent people.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Dave, Kansas City, MO — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:31:12 GMT

Thanks to all the true Americans who have pointed out that this news story alerts al-Qaida and Taliban fighters to the presence of our Special Forces and unmanned drones in Pakistan. Do you really think that if this author kept silent the terrorists would not know that our forces are there (a few dead Taliban at this or that post ought to alert them, not to mention watching for helicopters or listening for the buzz of the drones)? Do you really think that these people's prime soource of information for things like that would be an article in English on a Web site? This is not America's first secret war (think about the parallel with Cambodia in the Vietnam struggle). If this author did not write about these things, the only people who need to know but wouldn't that these things are happening is us poor Americans. We invaded a country with no ties to al-Qaida where the only proof of the presence of weapons of mass destruction were the receipts for nerve gas we sent over for the Iran-Iraq war; hide prisoners from the Red Cross; torture prisoners ourselves or hand them over to allies who are better at it; and assert our right to make preemptive war on anybody who might think bacly of us. And just about all of these are things that "true Americans" think that we the people don't need to know about.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Cashout, Cleveland, Ohio — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:31:39 GMT

We shoud not be narrow minded blaming this gentleman for writing this piece. The guy is doing his job, risking his life in this dangerous region. Let`s face the fact, this is a new world, bullet and missiles will not bring peace in that region or stop the Taliban from incurtion. Lets close all the amunition factories and talk peace. Enoug is eneough

Our secret war in Pakistan

David in Dallas — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:32:50 GMT

This story made me recall the late 60's when I was at the U of Maine, Orono. The Honorable Senator Margaret Chase Smith was speaking to an anti-Vietnam War crowd telling us we had it all wrong. Somebody asked about Cambodia. Even though she was on the Armed Forces Committee, she denied that Americans were fighting there. Much to her embarassment, a decorated veteran against the war came forward and politely called her a liar. "I've just returned from serving there," he told the crowd.

Sounds like we are about to repeat (bad) history...expecially if John McCain is Commander in Chief.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Mal T, Lauderdale,FL — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:33:25 GMT

The Big picture here is how and when will the war stop...Simple!...NEVER...The US thinks it's winning the war but it's not the Taliban has pulled back and is currently building strength..They want the US to leave...letting us think we won...We lost in IRAQ the day we invaded..there was no WMD...We have lost many service men and women here...We have lost all round..

As for fighting the Taliban...this will never end

Our secret war in Pakistan

joe, phoenix arizona. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:33:33 GMT

wow! secret war? covert opps? not secret or covert anymore. thank you liberal media! you have once again succeeded to let down the american people and further endander american lives. why are these liberals alowed to breed? will somone please answer that?

Our secret war in Pakistan

Brett, Washington, DC — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:33:55 GMT

This is a nonstory, the media has covered these unmanned drones sent into Pakistan, it just hasn't been repeated non-stop like other stories. It's not secret and never was, sorry.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Mike West Chester Pa — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:36:25 GMT

This counrty needs to do whatever is necessary to keep us safe, where ever that may be in the world. All the talk of Obama of attacking Pakistan is just that talk to get elected. He would never attack any Muslin under any circumstances.

Beware of the enemy within.

A Pennsylvanian proud of his religon and his guns.

Our secret war in Pakistan

John Smith, Washington — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:39:04 GMT

Anyone who thinks illegal secret military operations are okay is NOT American, they are NOT in any way standing up for what we fought hard for. You are disgusting wretches of greed. You think fighting for oil is the right thing to do? You think its okay to invade a country and kill millions through blockades, disruption of food, and outright murder? You should think twice before supporting war.

Our secret war in Pakistan

John, New Orleans, LA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:40:00 GMT

This has been happening since after November 2001, so it's not like it's anything new, and much has been published about it over and over again - a small article that says NOTHING won't compromise anyone, because the Taliban are not so stupid that they need liberal press for intelligence. They know we are going into Pakistan. Face it, if you want anything done, this is how it's going to happen because Pakistan is the #1 terrorist producing country in the world, from the highest level up. A US ally? Sure thing, heh. After 7 years they have continually thrown excuses and hindered this country from succeeding in the war, because there is simply too much corruption in their government that gives aid to our enemy. If you think otherwise, you obviously huff gas for a past-time and think reading a CNN ticker makes you quite the foreign affairs intellectual.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Mike, New Orleans, LA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:40:08 GMT

Whose side is NBC on, ours or Al-Quaid's. I recommend anyone that supports the US, stop supporting any media outlet that prints stories that harm the USA's efforts in the war against terror. I for one will no longer open any stories by NBC from my MSN page and already quit watching the TV station. I will write MSN to ask them stop workng with companies like NBC that do everything they can to harm our efforts in the war on terror. This isn't even about Iraq, it's about the troops searching for terrorists.

Our secret war in Pakistan

ImSoStupid Des Moines, Iowa — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:40:26 GMT

You're all way too smart and should probably either get into the CIA, military ops, or the government. You're way to brilliant to be doing what you're currently doing and have all the answers. Obviously, you understand the military situation better than the rest of us and have the solutions that we need. You'll also vote for B. Hussein Obama. Why don't your geniuses post your resume's so we can contact you later for more advice? Thanks in advance.

Our secret war in Pakistan

trench, seattle, washington — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:40:32 GMT

You idiot conservatives . Do you know who founded Taliban? It is the United States of America. So yeah! whats goes around comes around

Our secret war in Pakistan

Scott Ledine, Gulfport, MS. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:40:37 GMT

Liberals, Conservatives, all of you are from the same herd of ignorant sheep. You've never had it hard a day in your life compared to what is coming. Bush has done a terrible job, as will McCain,Obama,or any other. Neither party cares for the people. Terrorism will be at your door soon

Our secret war in Pakistan

Alexander, Tucson, AZ — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:41:03 GMT

It still amazes me that some people are surprised by this and that people question the legality of these types of actions. Most of have no idea what it takes to defend a nation and what goes on in the "dark".
Nor should you know, unfortunate but necessary.

Remember next time you sit down to a Holiday dinner with the family that someone is running around in some awful place in horrid conditions tracking down a known terrorist cell so you can eat your dinner and complain about what you have no idea.

And Pakistan began its Nuclear program in 1974 and testing in 1983 with its largest tests during the Clinton years. A little before Bush.... so find someone else to blame.

Freedom is not free.

Our secret war in Pakistan

John Doe Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:41:09 GMT

Secret war? The only ones this has been a secret to are the US citizens. Think the taliban don't know about this? Think the Paki's don't know? Who's life's do you put in jepordy talking about something the enemy already knows we're doing? Spec-Ops operate in ways that a post on the www isn't going to bring them down. They are their own breed. You liberals and ultra conservatives need to spend some time in the military instead of pussy-footing around crying about the sky falling.

Our secret war in Pakistan

LC — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:41:34 GMT

To those concerned about exposing the covert operations: the extremists and any other players in the area surely have a good idea of what is happening (just because you didn't know it doesn't mean nobody does).

Our secret war in Pakistan

sTEVE MOJICA, SAN DIEGO — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:45:21 GMT

Once again everyone has missed the point on this article. There are always secret wars that are not published and if we know the enemy knows so no harm no foul, they are the best and know how to protect themselves. But the point missed is there would be no secret war or incursions if THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION DID NOT SHIFT THE FIGHT FROM WIPING OUT THE TALIBAN AND AQ WHEN THEY HAD THE CHANCE. IF YOU WANT TO BLAME SOMEONE THERE IS YOUR VILLAGE IDIOT. BUT I AM SURE ALOT OF YOU IDIOTS ON HERE VOTED FOR THAT MORON AND NOW YOU HAVE SUBJECTED OUR NATION, OTHER NATIONS BUT MOST OF ALL OUR TROOPS TO A LONG DRAWN OUT PROTRACTED WAR AGAINST TERRORISTS. SHAME ON YOU.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Friar Tuck Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:48:20 GMT

I object somewhat to the allusion of "the liberal media". I was once a peacenik myself. But I really do think certain elements of this article hazardous to American interests, and that should have been enough for an editorial veto. It goes beyond "liberal media" in my opinion.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jerrold, Scottsdale, AZ — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:51:25 GMT

Secrecy doesn't make you safe. Secrecy lowers the bar. If you can't get opinions on how your tactic sucks, then you'll continue using that 'sucky' strategy. Burying your head doesn't solve the problem.

As for Engel, some people must not know what he's done the last 5 years. He lived in Iraq for the last 5 years. He knows as much or more on the ground in Iraq as General Petraeus wishes he did. He was in the war zone, on the ground, dodging bullets and bomb blasts and getting the real story for around five years. He lived the war for five years.

I guess now he's in Afghanistan and using his 5 years of experience living in a hellhole middle east quagmire of Iraq to find out what's going on in our other middle east quagmire.

I have the utmost respect for Richard Engel and would believe his analysis of the situation based on his ground reporting in Iraq or Afghanistan more than any other journalist. He delivers the real story.

And wow liberal media. There is NO such thing. The fact is most media outlets are owned by corporations, which lean toward republicans, and facsim, not liberal. Anyone that believes there is such a thing as a liberal media, probably believes in the tooth fairy and santa claus. Because all 3 are in the same boat, they're myths.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Maura Pleasant Grove, OK — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:51:30 GMT

Thank you for your information and all you do. I have many friends who risk their lives every single day while we rush to the store, feed the cats, dogs and select a costume for someone we love. I worry and pray but it seems like so little with others doing such great things as a matter of course. I keep you as well tucked in my prayers. Hope what we do can help in some way make our world a better place. For in the end we can only work on our little part of the world.

Our secret war in Pakistan

JJ canada — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:52:18 GMT

Remember that it`s ok for America to attack in another country but Russia can`t.LOL wow how sad.Who`s the real bully country?

Our secret war in Pakistan

Danny , willowick, Ohio — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:52:25 GMT

you must give credit to innocent pakistanis who are becoming the victim of talibans reaction . almost daily there is a bomb blast anywhere n any in pakistan. one one feels safe in their own country. we r the victim of both .i.e,taliban n americans. riffat,Islamabad.Pakistan. (Sent Tuesday, October 07, 2008 11:50 AM)

Well Its for you to say that. but you guys are the one who created all the mess. read below.

I had written to CIA soon after 9/11 to look out for Pakistan. ISI trains the goons to go into Afghanistan and India to kill innocent people. It is about time US took charge and went after all these people.Richard is not the first one to find out about what is happening in these border towns. Indian news papers have been saying this for more than two years.All these years Pakistan has done is to take large sums of $$$$ to "fight" the terrorists. So far we have seen no results. Spend this money on a meaningful mercenary squad and they will get the job done in a month. Pakistan is responsible for letting Taliban into their country to reside and train. Now they are paying the price! What goes around comes around. Jay Atlanta GA (Sent Tuesday, October 07, 2008 11:47 AM)

Our secret war in Pakistan

Mark Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:57:41 GMT

Congratulations in your report, I salute you because, while other group of journalist decide to ignore or keep silence, you did your job, when a journalist take sides becomes corrupted, YOU are doing an EXCELLENT JOB, News are News. Please keep bringing us the two sides of the story, the people deserves to know the whole truth not just a portion. I pray GOD to Bless you and take care of you always!!!

Our secret war in Pakistan

Ro — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:58:19 GMT

I got this from the Pakistan Policy Blog. "...A vote for Obama, said McCain, can push into office “the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested bombing our ally Pakistan.”

Over a week ago, President Bush made a similar attack on Obama, stating, “The only foreign policy thing I remember he said was he’s going to attack Pakistan and embrace Ahmedinejad.”

In reality, Obama never proposed attacking the state of Pakistan. He said, “If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won’t act, we will.” In other words, Obama would attack terrorists on Pakistani soil–a serious violation of Pakistani sovereignty, but not an attack targeting the state of Pakistan.

The reason this story upsets so many neo cons is not that it compromises our troops- the terrorists know we are going after them in Pakistan, are you kidding? This story angers them because it shows McCain's "experience" does not translate into sound judgement when it comes to our nation's security. Obama foresaw exactly what the US needs to do.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Rich- Your Rational Side, USA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:58:33 GMT

None of this was secret (sorry, Haters). The article should have been titled "The Red, White and Blue Elephant In The Room."

Our secret war in Pakistan

Julie, Washington (retired Army MI) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:58:43 GMT

Jim, K get real and try reading history.

'Lets start with the fact that George W. (in his infinte stupidity) gave a green light to Pakistan to become a nuclear power'

'when Pakistan gets pissed enough to start threatening to use nuclear weapons...remember who let them have them'

Since when did Bush give them nukes? Never!! Paskistan developed nulclear weapons (and rockets) on their own to counter their neightbor's threat (India) when they too developed their own nuclear program (w/Soviet help).

Don't you remember the nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan in the late 70's and early 80's? I believe around 1974 (not sure on this) Pakistan developed nuclear weapons. The same time our wonderful president Bush was hiding in the National Guard from active military duty.

Our secret war in Pakistan

VJ, Ridgewood NJ — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:59:59 GMT

Everybody knows that Special Forces are in the area, hes not blowing their cover! They have been there since 2001 kicking ass and takn names. Who cares abt the paki's they have no idea whats going on anyway. Get em'!

Our secret war in Pakistan

Richard Bagwell — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:24 GMT

Barack Hussein Obama - the favored candidate of the Taliban!!!

Special ops forces have crossed into Pakistan for some time now. In the past they have operated in small teams (without weapons) of about 3-5 individuals and basically became totally familiar with a village and its surroundings. Subsequently, this team has identified villagers or structures within the village that have assisted the Taliban or Al-Queda. These villagers/structures were then watched for a period of time by drone aircraft and placed on the daily "air tasking order" for follow-up surveillance.

Our secret war in Pakistan

C Durden, Columbia, MD — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:28 GMT

To all those criticizing Engel's reporting, please remember that it's been the so-called "liberal" media that's saved many thousands of us in the past and through their continued efforts keep our guys safer and their non-military superiors in check when the corrupt martial administration wants to spend lives like pocket change. This report divulges no information that the enemy didn't already have (and, no doubt, it withholds much that they do have). I salute our brave journalists who seek to report the truth, no matter the consequences. Nothing is more important than the truth.
Respectfully, Maj. C. Durden, USMC, Ret.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Bob, Ohio — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:40 GMT

I doubt this is really all that secret. America has this idea that we are smarter then everyone else in the world. That obviously isn't true or we wouldn't still be in this mess. This article doesn't put anyone in any more risk then they were in already. Also, I highly doubt anyone in Al-Qaida or the Taliban spends much time reading anything the Americam media puts out, regardless if its from the left or from the right. People wrap politics around everything. I guess it gives them something to blame. Just remember. You voted this government in. It isn't just bush. Its the house and senate to. The whole system is a mess right now. I think the real emergency with America is that the American people really have no control on what America does.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jim T, Oregon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:01:17 GMT

It's safe to say that al-Qaida and Taliban militants who've heard and seen them already know about US drones and covert insertions, so I don't see where Richard Engel has revealed anything that endangers the troops engaged in such operations. This is the type of warfare we should have expected in the wake of 9/11, given the nature of the enemy and his M.O. and resources. The loss of innocent life is deeply regrettable, as it is in all wars--no matter how "surgical" the combat strikes--but I've yet to see anyone come up with a viable alternative to "ghost war" ops in attempting to keep an al-Qaida-type opponent who's out to kill you off balance when he operates with relative impunity from a very-difficult-to-interdict sanctuary.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Chris Turner (Salt Lake city, Utah) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:04:49 GMT

Do some of you actually believe that the Taliban and al-Qaeda don't already know that the US is doing this? Seriously? While this may not be common knowledge in the USA, I guarantee that the ones being attacked know it clearly. Because of that, we ought to know about it. The risk is there regardless.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Dennnis Noret Albuquerque NM — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:04:51 GMT

I think Richard Engel is one of the most respected Journalist that we have Keep up the good work Richard!!!

Our secret war in Pakistan

Martin Stevenson, Kelowna, British Columbia — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:08:23 GMT

How much easier would it be to make peace with the tribes and villages in this region and gain their help and assistance in weeding out the incentive that compels the militants? Obviously, there is a sickness that compels these militants to fight and kill. Let us find the cause and work towards the cure. Symptoms are not the source. End the source and end the symptoms.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jim, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:11:13 GMT

Riffat,

Thank you for the candor, as an American contractor who spent 6 years living, working, raising a family and traveling Pakistan...You hit the Point on the head. I spent many a night with the family sleeping in the halls because of our community becoming a target. First by India and then by outside influences.

Regarding Bush & Cheney's farewell to catch Bin Laden...Does anybody really believe he is alive???, Liberal or Conservative, Fox or MSNBC is does not matter if you dont know the people on the front lines and those that have to clean up after our Military goes in with good plans that get changed by those who DO NOT listen to the experts...

Remember History does repeat itself and the Khyber Pass has witnessed many a repeat without the need for TIVO.

Yes God Bless our troops, our folks in Intelligence and the many individuals who want NO fundamentalist of ANY extreme.

It was, is and should stay a great country and I hope to return to Pakistan without the fears many of my fellow contractors have to endure.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Victor from Fallon, Nevada — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:11:25 GMT

During World War II, "Lose lips sink ships". You're abusing your Freedom of Speech to sabotage our troops who put their lives in harm's way to guarrantee the freedom. Why don't you go to Swat Valley in Pakistan and enjoy your freedom from their. Reporting from Bagram or Jalalabad is not the front lines. You're in the rear of the figthing. I admire your bravery for someone who never served in the military.

Our secret war in Pakistan

I Know Evil When I See It, Portland, OR. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:12:14 GMT

Crossing a border with the purposes of military action without that countries permission.... isn't that an invasion?

Our secret war in Pakistan

Chris — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:12:44 GMT

Too many non-thinking idiots out there! This "war" is *not* secret. We know about it, the Pakistanis know about it, and our enemies sure as *hell* know about it, so writing this article doesn't put our troops in danger. Put on your tghinking caps boys and girls - it isn't a "secret" war - it just isn't being reported much in the press - bad coice of words.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Carlos, Las Vegas, NV — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:13:28 GMT

If Pakistan really wanted to protect their people and make the world safer they could by simply DOING something in the lawless tribal region instead of sitting at their bases and claiming that they are doing something. Don't they understand they cannot support the islamic fundamentalists? They have and will turn on the Pakistani's who support them whenever is suits their (terrorist) needs.

Agreed, the U.S. incursions and any civilian casualties can work against the coalition's strategic interests in capturing and killing the terrorists, but does anyone have any better ideas? Do we let them plot and train, or do we make it hard on them and make then keep their heads down?

Final comment. Nice to see we have so many ignorant Americans. What don't you get about the fact that there are a large number of people out there that want to kill us and attack American interests? Stop sipping your Starbucks long enough to wake up and understand the real world - regardless of your dumb political side (left or right). Choose the middle. Choose to put the interests of our Nation before your idiotic agendas. Stop picking a left or right side and your vision will return to 20/20. Bush has done some things right. He's made mistakes too. Obama & Biden won't be any better - neither will McCain/Palin.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jack Skinner, Daytona FL — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:13:34 GMT

Yeah- that dag-burned liberal media! The nerve of those traitors! Actually wanting to discuss and keep open what "we" do as a country. DARN them! What kind of DEMOCRACY lets people know what is going on???? What kind of REPUBLIC lets people question those "leaders" that run the war??? What kind of free people would have the nerve to question what is done in their name???? Sheesh! These liberal information spreaders with their tough imposing questions and "need to know". They should learn that their need to know infringes on all of our safety. We should shut up and follow like we are told!
P.S. The weapons of mass destruction must be hidden in them there mountains.

Our secret war in Pakistan

ichabod, downey, ca — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:14:26 GMT

It is OK to just send your forces into an Ally's country without their permission. To violate their sovereignty?

It is not the Pakistan people they are fighting, but that is the way the US will end up, fighting Pakistan if they don't start respecting other nations.

The US would be pretty upset if another country sens in military for one reason or another, so it is with other nations.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Big D — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:14:28 GMT

Let's put things in perspective, every day for the last half century the United States (as well as Britain, Russia, and most other major powers) have had covert ops working in both friendly and enemy countries; just what you think all the folks at the CIA and NSA do .

Should our combat troops be entering a third country to root out potential threats to our forces? As a former military member and the father of two children currently serving; my answer without hesitation is YES. If the Pakistani government is unwilling or unable to handle the situation, then we must do whatever is necessary to protect our troops. No safe haven can be allowed.

Our secret war in Pakistan

vinnie, asheville, nc — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:15:01 GMT

please relax on your 'liberal media' cries. don't be reactionary idiots - i didn't see anything here that anyone with an internet connection or a pair of eyes couldn't find out. i don't see any locations or names of soldiers. i knew US soldiers couldn't leave anything or anyone behind, because it's in a million movies. the military knows mr. engal is in their camps, writing a story, you dolts. i for one am glad to hear our brave men and women are fighting a good fight, the fight we should have had right after 9/11, NOT IN IRAQ. richard, please keep yourself safe, and tell our troops we support and thank them.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Gordon Brown — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:15:22 GMT

I appreciate the information provided. I served in Afghanistan and am in agreement that the US can not be victorious there. It is worth remembering that in an effort to win the war in Vietnam, the US engaged in the secret bombing of Cambodia and at one point invaded the "Parrots Beak" region. Both served to destabalize the Cambodian government of Lon Nol and led to the rise of the Kymer Rouge, Pol Pot and genocide. I also served in Vietman. For the US to destabalize Pakistan is far more dangerous for unlike Cambodia, Pakistan has nuclear missiles.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Josh, Brooklyn, NY — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:17:52 GMT

ok
1. For all you "liberal media is endangering troops" right-wing nut-jobs, the man black-ops have stopped, as was reported, so he's not putting anyone in danger.

2. Al Qaeda in Pakistan obviously know whats been going on, also as reported in the article.

and

3. If anything, reports like this would be approved by the Bush administration, as they prove that they are still trying to get Bin Laden, contrary to popular belief.

So, please, can it with your knee-jerk, anti-media BS.

Thanks.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Festus Worthington, Calument, Mi — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:18:28 GMT

Its amazing how many people seem to think this is secret information. I

remember back before the Iraq war started - folks were on about WMDs - It was hard for me to get they really believed in them. All you had to do was look at any administration official discussing it and you could clearly see that they knew they were lying. I felt horrible for Colin Powell during that UN address.

Anyway - these kinds of special ops have been going on for a very long time. They are common knowlege so y'all need to relax about the 'liberal media' and just study up a bit. (FYI - some of our much maligned international brethern have had a big hand as well. Its sad to hear folks cursin' countries who's young men are out their dying next to ours.)

Our secret war in Pakistan

JR, Northern Virginia — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:21:19 GMT

How is this a secret war in Pakistan when everyone and their mother knows about it? I probably would have liked to not read the great lengths the Special Ops guys go through to blend in, but to each their own...it is not like he posted their mug shots for all to see. :) Heck, villagers are probably questioning one another to see if they are American Special Ops...that would be great to get on video.

In all honesty...you people get all worked up over the littlest things. At least our soldiers know the rights and freedoms they are defending are getting put to good use by the likes of everyone furiously pounding their keys to get a point across and make a political statement over something so trivial.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Ben, Chicago — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:22:48 GMT

This "secret" war is only secret to people living in the United States. Everyone saying that posting this article is endangering our troops and exposing our tactics are either unwilling to think about the situation or simple morons. The terrorist organizations, let alone Pakistan and pretty much everyone in that area, already know about these secret raids. The only people who are being kept in the dark about these raids are the american people. this journalist is just doing his job in reporting the news to us. Thank you Dave from Kansas City for being another intelligent person.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Brian J, Everett WA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:23:19 GMT

For everyone that is concerned of the "United States Special Ops secrets" being revealed to the taliban and to the world because of a news article, I challenge you to find a shred of evidence in this article or any other, of U.S. plans and their exact locations. I am positive the taliban is already aware of the Special Ops forces in the moutain borders of Afghanistan because they are the target.

Our secret war in Pakistan

KK, Canada — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:23:31 GMT

The news above is not secret at all. Pakistani Media has been discussing, debating since last year. They are fully aware of this. Now, they are dicsussing and debating about secret connection if exist between Betullah Masood plus some others warlords with CIA and/or RAW/KHAD. Bettullah Masood (has been linked to serveral sucide bombing) high tech communications equipments has the capablity to tap or intercept Pakistan Army signals making them like fools. Question Pakistani officialls/lawmakers are asking who is supplying them with this kind high caliber equipement which even suprior than theirs.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Larry D., Sacramento, CA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:25:15 GMT

A lot of people are backing these actions by the military of the United States...hopefully these actions are not the same as those that were accomplished in the Vietnam era where there was "no holds barred" and the conduct of our military, in many cases, was not monitored...killing to be killing is not the answer...we then just become terrorists....

Our secret war in Pakistan

John Q. Public — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:25:35 GMT

Just a few points I'd like to make or re-emphasize...
Incursions into Pakistan were just about as legal under international law as our incursions into Iraq and Afghanistan. It's abundantly clear to me that this administration feels no obligation to abide by international law. Perhaps that could be one reason the US is so very loved (NOT!) around the world. Just envision GWB sitting in the World Court trying to justify his authorizing of these wars. Talk about a "deer in the headlights"...

About compromising the safety of Special Ops into Pakistan...in my book, that thought is absolutely absurd. They know we're there and nothing in the article revealed any secret information that would be of any use to anyone.

About the "liberal media"...If you want something "fair and balanced" (HA!) watch Fox, listen to Limbaugh, and then throw yourself off a cliff.

With specific reference to Scott Ledine of Gulfport MS... if you find terrorists on your doorstep in Gulfport, the terorists obviosuly took a wrong turn or need a beter map. If Gulfport disappeared from the map, I doubt the rest of America would notice or care.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Larry, Seattle, WA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:27:45 GMT

I am surprised people just assume this was a "secret" because they haven't heard about it before. It just demonstrates how narrow and arrogant many of us are in this country. If you leave the borders and read the news in countries where you can find truly independent reporting (not owned by Rupert, influenced by a government, nor influenced by a conservative mainstream) you will likely find more open reporting about these events. It almost seems that people are willing to believe Pakistan is totally and completely isolated and the only information that eeks out is going to be found in our newspapers, CNN or Fox. Please consider the high probability that you are being duped. I think most people would have already imagined the US tactics (Hollywood depictions of special Ops are quite popular around the globe). And what do those of us unable to read arabic language know about what's already been bouncing around the net on the US military? They use the internet too and I understand quite effectively! Are you really so naive to believe there's not a Taliban and/or al queda blogger out there passing on information about activity on US bases? They may be medieval in their thinking and religious practices, but not in their use of computer technology.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Carmen D Rivera Brooklyn N Y — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:28:17 GMT

Mr.Engel, Please be CAREFUL!! The Middle East region is getting unstable!!

Our secret war in Pakistan

Eric Heroux — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Why would you report this someone wrote? I have one thing to say to those people who write things like that... YOU ARE A FASCIST. In this country we believe in freedom and we question our leaders. George Bush is not a God-King and you're killing liberty by supporting that sort of politics.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Charlie — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:30:23 GMT

Media are a big reason people get killed. They think that it is everyone's "right to know", what goes on militarily. After the mission is done, then you can hear and see what happened. Not before and during. I will never forget the stupid media cameras on the beaches as we were liberating Kuwait. How ignorant and selfish. Our men and women have a hard enough time trying to accomplish the tasks at hand without the media telling the enemy what we are doing before we do it. Makes me so mad!

Our secret war in Pakistan

John Stetson, Queens, NY — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:31:22 GMT

this scratches the surface perhaps of what Bob Woodward has uncovered (been told) about black operations taking place in Iraq. To all the neo-con whiners; I know you hate information, but we have a right to know what our representatives are up to in our name. You people forget that the gov't works for us, we're Bush's boss, not the other way around.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Chas. Leon, Riverside, Calif — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:32:41 GMT

One message states, "What if these specical ops are captured?", as if they're not well covered. Believe me, covert operations by elite special forces means a squad of 6 or 7 packs the punch and stealth and capability of 100. These soldiers are what movies are made about, only they are the real Rambos! I have every faith in their capabilities, I served in the Navy and have a feel for military can do, and these guys are the creme de la creme! Of course the Pakistanis are worried, they know that they'll get heat from their Al Queda and Taliban sympathizers.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Jack Skinner, Daytona FL — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:35:35 GMT

Our secret war in Pakistan

Chris, Lufkin, Texas — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:36:50 GMT

To Jim K of Dallas:

Here is a website to look at on Pakistan's nuclear program.It is http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/pakistan/nuke/

Check that out and see who let Pakistan test 5 nuclear weapons. The year was 1998 and the program thrived in the early 1990's with China. They began importing plutonium with China's help. You have got your facts very wrong and sound as if you are one of those people who blame Bush for everything. Every administration has made mistakes but Pakistan going nuclear was on Bill Clinton's watch. Maybe you should open your blind eye and look into factual information before you bad mouth conservatives.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Diane, Conshocken, PA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:38:27 GMT

How interesting that after 8 years of doing nothing but vacationing on his ranch while terrorists (about whom he had been warned, what, 53 times in his daily reports) were indeed attacking in our own country, he NOW decides to step things up in Pakistan where the "evildoers" have been getting stronger all this time. NOW he is interested ih getting bin Laden since he can't use his name to get elected any more. He has done nothing but redistribute the wealth of America to himself, his Dad and his personal friends for the last 8 years, squandering the surplus on Halliburton, Blackwater, Enron, Exxon, etc., and now his failed financial deregulation has cost us another 700+ billion as well as 10+ Billion PER MONTH in Iraq, which, someone should please tell Palin, WAS NOT involved in 9/11. Of course he wants another war quick, he thinks it will help McCain.

Our secret war in Pakistan

Alex, Pasadena, CA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:42:19 GMT

Posting such a story is, of course, part of Freedom of the Press but can also endanger our troops fighting in that area. Agree with Bush's policy or not, doing anything that would potentially endanger our troops is unthinkable.

That stated, the Taliban have proven themselves an able fighting force, and common sense would dictate that they already are aware of U.S. special forces staging raids near the Pakistan-Afgan border. How to fight an enemy while not alienating the Pakistani government is a difficult proposition at best.

Secret wars are nothing new in the foreign policy of the United States. Think of Cambodia/Vietnam, U.S involvment in Afganistan during the Reagan administration, and lesser known involvement in areas such as Chile during the Nixon administration, Clinton and the debacle in Yugoslavia, etc.

One certanity is that this "war" or whatever one desires to call it will be going on for a long time to come - no matter who resides in the White House.

Our secret war in Pakistan

LUSH — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:10:48 GMT

Operation Enduring Turmoil is the Neocons plan to disassemble Pakistan, give northern Pakistan to Afghanistan, Southwest Pakistan to the Balochs… all this in an effort to restrict Chinese access to energy and herd energy resources towards Israel, the Mediterranean and Europe. Whatever happening in NWFP and Baluchistan is part of this BIG game!
please visit this site
http://pakalert.wordpress.com/2008/12/22/neocon-plans-for-pakistan-exposed/

Until the US disavows the Neocon plan to achieve “benevolent global hegemony” —the benevolence of which has already caused the deaths of maybe a million people— I don’t see how anyone in their right mind can expect Pakistan or any of the other proposed PNAC(Wiki) victims to cooperate in their own destruction. But unfortunately in Pakistan, some ignorant, selfish traitors have decided to facilitate this plan!