Story of terrorism, betrayal and political intrigue is approaching its denouement in a foreign courtroom in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The chilling confessions by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM) that linked him ‘from A to Z’ to the attacks of Sept. 11 seems a mass of lies, cover-ups and contradictions. A revised transcript released today says KSM confessed to the beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl.
The case relating to the kidnapping and brutal murder of Daniel Pearl, who belonged to the Wall Street Journal, has always been murky but this time with the confession of KSM it suggests something very disturbing is going on.
Officials do not doubt his claim that he beheaded Journalist Daniel Pearl with what he called his ‘blessed right hand.’ Khalid Sheikh Mohammed had been identified as Pearl’s killer after the FBI analysed the videotaped beheading.
So if Khalid Sheikh Mohammed slit Pearl’s throat, why is Omar Sheikh about to be hanged?
Perhaps as chilling is the underlying story of Omar Sheikh, a British-born Islamist militant, waiting to be hanged in Pakistan for a murder he almost certainly didn’t commit- of reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002.
More disturbingly, Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf tried to influence the court in Pakistan and told German newspaper he wanted him (Omer Sheikh) hanged. However, the question arises why.
I think there is an answer to this- for Sheikh is no ordinary terrorist but a man who has connections that reach high into Pakistan’s military and intelligence elite ISI and into the innermost circles of Osama Bin Laden and the Al-Qaeda organisation. I think his involvement with Pakistani intelligence was the step too far that may prove to be his death warrant. This link, if proved, could destroy President Pervez Musharraf’s integrity with Washington.
However, the United States is seeking Omer Sheikh’s extradition, but Pakistan is likely to sentence him to death and hang him first to ensure that he does not reveal any links between terrorist organizations and the ISI.
Getting back to the point from where it started- KSM’s confession
Undoubtedly, an element of self-promotion cannot be ignored here. The claims can be in part of a rallying cry to prop up his image and that of al-Qaida in the only venue Mohammed has left- a military courtroom from which the public is barred. Moreover, his claims during interrogation can be ‘white noise,’ designed to send the United States on wild goose chases or to get him through the day’s interrogation session.
But it’s not that simple. KSM confessed under CIA interrogation that he personally committed the murder. Moreover, when he faces a military tribunal at Guantanamo, perhaps as soon as next year, the U.S. plans to charge him not only with the 9/11 plot, but also with direct responsibility for Pearl’s death.
The alleged Pakistani mastermind’s confession raises more questions than answers. The question that ponders the most - how can they try him for it when information obtained by coercive interrogation is always unreliable?
Comments
Well written Pankaj, but I just noticed you have mentioned that the courtroom is in Guantemala?? Shouldn’t it be Guantanamo Bay?...ofcourse I may be wrong, in which case I am sorry. But just as well, its a significant issue, and the factors that you mention are extremely relavent i think. Especially the Omar connection to ISI. This again, if you notice comes simultaneously as Musharraf is facing criticism for everything he does. I do not think its a coincidence, it holds a lot of the answers to the questions posed. It would not be surprising to see a regime change in Pakistan in the near future.
Yes u r right Kuhika, it is Guantanamo Bay and not Guantemala. Thanks, I’ll edit the post hope u don’t mind, this might make ur comment look a bit unrelated.
However, talking about a regime change in Pakistan in the near future >> General Musharraf has a highly controversial plan that would have him elected to another five-year term as President by existing federal and provincial legislatures - before general elections are held.
But he also wants to continue as Army Chief of Staff, something that is bitterly opposed by political leaders as well as the international community. The plan would be challenged in the courts, and the chief justice’s strong words on the issue may have forced the President to take pre-emptive action to remove him.
The bitter wrangling lends weight to those in the US diplomatic and intelligence community who believe it is time to consider the post-Musharraf era. However, it remains to be seen how long Pakistan’s military rulers can carry on with this juggler’s act of supporting the US against global terrorism of the on the one hand while supporting the Jihadists on the other.