U.S. Using Sting Tactics in Great Britian

By Jeralyn, Section War on Terror
Posted on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 11:22:36 AM EST
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For the first time, the Bush Administration is using sting tactics in another country to catch terrorists.

In a recent operation, agents from America's Department of Homeland Security set up a suspect by posing as dealers wanting to illegally sell night-vision goggles for export to Iran. The spies arranged a series of clandestine meetings in London hotels, which they secretly filmed as evidence. It is thought to be the first time American agents have been caught using such sting tactics in Britain.

Urgent questions were being asked about whether the British Government had been aware of the operation. If so, it raises issues of the State collaborating with foreign agencies to entrap suspects - and if not it raises the spectre of American spies working unchecked on British soil.

Here's why this is a big deal:

The case has provoked a huge row because the agents used tactics banned in Britain. In addition, the offence of which he is accused would not be a crime in this country. If British police officers had employed this type of sting, the ensuing case would almost certainly be thrown out of court.

Here's more on British reaction.

[Hat tip Patriot Daily.]

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U.S. Using Sting Tactics in Great Britian | 22 comments (22 topical)

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Of course! (none / 0) (#1)
by TomStewart on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 12:47:25 PM EST

We must bait and catch them over there so we don't have to bait and catch them here.

xx (none / 0) (#2)
by jimakaPPJ on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 05:20:31 PM EST

And of course the Left is outraged that we would try and catch people who want to buy material that can be used to help kill our troops.

: sovreignty (none / 0) (#4)
by mckimj on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 07:22:12 PM EST

I beleive that our only safety is in remaining a nation of laws. Soverignty is one of those pesky laws that must be obeyed. I cannot stand with bush and his brethern because they beleive laws are to be ignored for a transiitory goal. We (americans) need to try to regain the moral high ground

: Fair is fair (none / 0) (#5)
by Repack Rider on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 07:26:20 PM EST

So you have no problem with the governments of other countries coming here and running unnanounced covert operations in our capital.
How generous of you.
I'm not that generous. I think that if the Russians started kidnapping people on our streets so they could have them tortured in Mexico, we should take exception. I think that if they are trying to attract terrorists to our capital for "sting" programs, we should take exception.
I do not understand why you think it's a good idea to let them do this. Perhaps you can explain.

PPJ (none / 0) (#3)
by aw on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 06:52:01 PM EST

How would you like foreign governments operating like that here, ally or not?

The Brits knew (none / 0) (#6)
by jimakaPPJ on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 07:37:09 PM EST

Somehow I think the Brits knew.

xx (none / 0) (#7)
by jimakaPPJ on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 07:39:14 PM EST

But for the sake of argument, let's say they did not, or had rejected our request for assistance/permisson.

I take it you don't want us to try and catch people purhasing weapons that can be used to kill US troops.

Okayyyyyyyy. Fineeeeee

catching bad guys (none / 0) (#8)
by mckimj on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 07:55:21 PM EST

I just want the government to follow the law in all of it's endevors. I like having a government by the people,for the people and of the people. I'll even let a few bad guys slide if we can count on principal


xx (none / 0) (#12)
by jimakaPPJ on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 08:50:05 PM EST

Okay, you can let people buy weapons that will be used to kill our troops if you like. The troops might have a different view.


: constitution (none / 0) (#15)
by mckimj on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 08:53:28 PM EST

remember.... so far the troops arn't allowed to act independently. You and I are safe from their likes and dislikes....under the law

I'll take that strawman for a dollar (none / 0) (#9)
by Sailor on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 07:59:12 PM EST

Of course we do, but first we have to start with rummy who sold OBL & saddam the weapons that are being used to kill US troops.

It's much more important to convict the suppliers than the users.

: xx (none / 0) (#13)
by jimakaPPJ on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 08:50:52 PM EST

So, the old two wrongs make a right argument.

Or I coulda said ... (none / 0) (#10)
by Sailor on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 08:00:50 PM EST

I take it you don't respect the laws of America or our allies.

xx (none / 0) (#14)
by jimakaPPJ on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 08:53:03 PM EST

Where does it say that anyone's laws were violated?

But again for the sake of argument, let's say the Brits didn't cooperate.

I want us to try and catch people who would buy weapons that will be used to kill our troops.

You may disagree.


: who could disagree? (none / 0) (#21)
by bklynshome on Mon Nov 13, 2006 at 02:59:52 PM EST

You don't know if any laws were violated.
You don't know if British home security was on board or not.
It would appear that you didn't read the linked article.
How is it that you know that night vision goggles are going to be used against our troops?
You don't.
Of course all those tons of weapons and explosives Rumsfeld allowed any Tom Dick or Harry walk away with while he sent our troops to watch over the Oil Ministry buildings is supporting our troops.
Sounds like the Israelis are the ones with the beef in this story, but as one of the commentaries of that article pointed out you can buy as many night vision goggles on line as you want anyway................what was your point again?

Take three (none / 0) (#11)
by Sailor on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 08:05:07 PM EST

... sorry, I'm laughing too hard, I just suggest you take 3 and call your doctor in the morning.

Tell me again. (none / 0) (#16)
by jimakaPPJ on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 08:54:10 PM EST

etc., etc., etc.

Tell me again how you are for the troops.


look young one (none / 0) (#17)
by mckimj on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 09:05:13 PM EST

while the troops are over there fighting for nothing but their lives, having been sent on a fools errand I want to be here fighting to keep our government bound by the laws that make this nation what it is. George and his friends have missed the point


: Tell me again (none / 0) (#20)
by jimakaPPJ on Mon Nov 13, 2006 at 07:16:08 AM EST

Young one? Oh how I wish... I'm well past 65 and a veteran of 10 years in Naval Aviation, oh unknowing one.
I again note. We don't know if the Brits were on board or not.
If the tactics couldn't be used by the Brits, did the Brits agree to let the US use them.
Why are you worried about people who are trying to buy weapons that will be used to kill Americans.
Tell me again how the Left supports the troops.

I support the troops (none / 0) (#18)
by Repack Rider on Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 10:11:30 PM EST

I do not support sending the troops to their deaths for no reason, or to make things worse than they were before we invaded.

Do I REALLY need to post my discharge link again to prove that I support the troops?

I hang out with other vets who seem to be in agreement. The American Legion hall is a block from my house. Come on down and get an earful from guys who know what they are talking about.


: Actions speak (none / 0) (#19)
by jimakaPPJ on Mon Nov 13, 2006 at 07:11:21 AM EST

Actions speak louder than a piece of paper. RePack.

red herrings (none / 0) (#22)
by mckimj on Mon Nov 13, 2006 at 03:51:15 PM EST

Having lived during vietnam this is the second time I have been accused of being a traitor and a troop non-supporter. Please remember that nothing in Iraq was threatening our way of life. I most assuredly support the right and duty of all troops everywhere to shoot whoever they need to shoot to come home alive. Our government choose to send them there and lied to get my support. I withdraw that support and demand that whats left of our brave troops come home.To think that I believed Collin Powell makes me sick.Please remember, the ends never justify the means.What's the difference between george bush and saddam hussain? I want us to be a nation of laws.