US debates drones vs diplomacy

The deadly March 17 attack,which the Pakistanis claim killed 38 civilians,helped send the US-Pakistan relationship into a tailspin from which it has not recovered. The timing of the strike,and others,outraged Pakistani officials.

Newly revealed details of the drone strikes were provided by US and Pakistani officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Among them were attacks that followed an April visit by Pakistan’s spy chief Ahmed Shuja Pasha to Washington as well as trips here by Sen John Kerry and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton after the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

Seven years into the drone programme that has killed scores of militants,there are increasing questions over whether it is worth the diplomatic backlash in Pakistan. President Barack Obama has dramatically ramped up the drone programme,unleashing more than 200 strikes since he took office.

The attacks have strained the relationship between the US State Department and the CIA,where officials argue killing militants who threaten US interests should take priority over political considerations,said US officials.

That tension was clearly visible between Munter and the CIA station chief in Islamabad,who recently left his post,said a Western official in the region. “When the doors are closed they are shouting at each other,but once the doors are open they are congenial in front of embassy staff,’’ said the official.

Munter must sign off on every planned drone attack in Pakistan,although he objects,said a former aide to the ambassador. If Munter disagrees,the CIA director can appeal to him,said two US officials,providing the most detailed description of the process. Clinton can also weigh in,and has done so at least once,a US official said.