Is It The Same Old Song?

Or a different rendition since Bush left the scene?  Pakistani authorities parade blindfolded Taliban commander Abdullah (alias Abu Waqas) for the cameras in Karachi, Pakistan.  The commander's arrest was one of several accomplished in joint operations by CIA and Pakistani security forces in the past week.

The photo leaves us with  few questions. For example…

What is the effect of evoking the Bush-era symbolism of prisoner display and sensory deprivation identified with detainee torture? If this leader was captured by just the Americans, would he have been blindfolded and paraded for the media? Or is the USA still willing to let other countries go where a public relations-oriented White House fears to tread?  And, does this high profile "parade" have any relation to the show of force in Marjah or seek any function in countering GOP "soft on terror" attacks?

—Karen Hull

For a BAG post on a previous "show," click here.

(Photo credit: AP/Shakil Adil. Caption: An alleged Taliban commander Abdullah alia Abu Waqas is presented before the media in Karachi, Pakistan Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010. According to police officials Abdullah is involved in recruiting female suicide bombers and was arrested in Karachi while he was planning terrorist activities in the city. Pakistan on Weednesday confirmed the Afghan Taliban's No. 2 leader commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, has been captured also.)