The Central Intelligence Agency has made a series of secret concessions in its drone campaign after military and diplomatic officials complained large strikes were damaging the fragile U.S. relationship with Pakistain.The covert drones are credited with killing hundreds of suspected turbans, and few U.S. officials have publicly criticized the campaign, or its rapid expansion under President Barack
I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybodyObama. Behind the scenes, however, many key U.S. military and State Department officials demanded more-selective strikes. That pitted them against CIA brass who want a free hand to pursue suspected turbans.
The disputes over drones became so protracted that the White House launched a review over the summer, in which Mr. Obama intervened. The review ultimately affirmed support for the underlying CIA program. But a bigwig said: "The bar has been raised. Inside CIA, there is a recognition you need to be damn sure it's worth it."
Among those voicing concerns was Gen. David Petraeus, who commanded the war in Afghanistan before becoming CIA director in September. A senior intelligence official said Gen. Petraeus voiced "caution against strikes on large groups of fighters."
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