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| The Alliance |
| Israel supplying US with intel |
| 2001-10-05 |
Israel has been supplying the US with an extraordinary amount of behind-the-scenes intelligence assistance and security advice since the September 11 terrorist attacks, despite demands from Arab states that it not be permitted to participate in a coalition against terrorism. Since the attacks, Israel has provided the US with information about the suspected hijackers. And the US has sought intelligence assistance from Israel particularly regarding Central Asia, where Israel has a stronger foothold. Israel has better intelligence and stronger relations with countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, places that could prove crucial in any offensive against Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network based in Afghanistan. Israel has absorbed large emigrant populations from those countries. And because of its proximity to enemies such as Iran, Israel has devoted intelligence resources there, both human and electronic. A year ago the Uzbek government, in a sign of partnership, appealed to Israel for aid in combating the rise of Islamic violence in the region. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |