The AP Strikes a Blow for the Taliban

The Associated Press decides that the Taliban and Al Qaeda need a little relief from the drubbing they've been getting, so they throw a wrench in the works:

Newly uncovered “rules of engagement” show the U.S. military gave elite units broad authority more than three years ago to pursue suspected terrorists into Pakistan, with no mention of telling the Pakistanis in advance.

The documents obtained by The Associated Press offer a detailed glimpse at what Army Rangers and other terrorist-hunting units were authorized to do earlier in the war on terror. And interviews with military officials suggest some of those same guidelines have remained in place, such as the right to “hot pursuit” across the border.

Now, this is the kind of policy that only works if there is official deniability on both sides. We all know that Musharraf is in a precarious political position in Pakistan, and that his public stance on the inviolable sovereignty of his company is an absolute must if he is to continue his rule. This release of information will only:

• weaken Musharraf's already tenuous hold;
• weaken support for use of the Pakistani army against the Taliban
• turn Pakistani sentiment against the US; and
• hamper US efforts to defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda and to capture Osama.

Thanks, AP! This is one of those instances where everybody knew this was going on, but as long as it wasn't dragged into the open, it could be ignored for the sake of international relations.
Now, while the administration and military is having to lay low and do damage control, the Taliban and Al Qaeda can catch a breather and come back and kill more people.

It's difficult to understand why this would even be considered news, unless the AP is trying to rescue Barack Obama, or the Taliban, or both. I can't decide which option disgusts me more.