But at the same time, the American Military-Intelligence community
establishes separate (and in some cases isolated) and often more intimate
relations with their military and Intel counterparts. This allows the US to
pursue 'side policies' and agendas that can either counter the political wing
of their ally, or in some cases allows for a plausible deniability on the part
of their political client.
One thinks of Turkey and Pakistan as examples. There are
elements in the Pakistani military that will work with the US against the wishes
of the government in Islamabad, sometimes undermining it. Sometimes Islamabad
can denounce US actions and because it's known that the army and the ISI (Pakistan's
CIA) are somewhat independent if not autonomous, it gives Islamabad a credible
claim of deniability. Sometimes the political rulers were in the know and yet
don't want their public to be aware of their collaboration. Sometimes they're
not and are genuinely angry and yet must show verbal restraint lest they reveal
their weak hand.
The situation in Turkey is very similar but perhaps even more
complicated. Of course Pakistan is further complicated by the fact there are
factions within the military and ISI that in some cases are quite hostile to US
influence. It's all shrouded in byzantine obscurity.
These side military and intelligence relationships also
provide another function. Clandestine networks are established that can be
called on to overthrow the government. American diplomats will smile and shake
hands, give moral lectures while at the same time work to undermine the client
ruler and keep him in a position of instability and thus dependence on its US
patron. Client rulers can never rest easy. The situation is always volatile and
thus they are all the more likely to turn to their patrons for support. And yet
how foolish they are! The US will turn on in them in a moment and cast them
aside.
The US has and continues to pursue this series of tactics
with many of its 'friends'. It's an exercise in duplicity and it's no wonder
that many become very cynical with regard to US words and intentions.
Nevertheless the US is such a giant player on the world stage
that many will bite their tongues, swallow their pride and give in... just so
they can feed off the wealth and tap into US networks of power. When the empire
falls there will be celebration and rejoicing in some quarters and weeping and
lamentation in others. I do not doubt that many will experience both emotions
simultaneously.
There's a price to be paid though. Christians in Indonesia
will continue to suffer and Christians in America will profit off these
political and corporate backed activities.
An interesting segment to be sure. It runs about 12 minutes.
