Blood Money

Raymond Allen Davis, the CIA contractor who killed two Pakistanis in Lahore on Jan. 27, is on his way home. The families of the dead men were paid $2.34 million in exchange for agreeing to accept Davis’ apology and allowing him to go free.

So a difficult situation is resolved. The U.S. had maintained that Davis had diplomatic immunity. The Pakistanis weren’t so sure. In the face of a public outcry that he be tried and executed, the parties kept the lid on until they could invoke an honorable and traditional way of handling such things – using a bribe to appease the injured feelings of the victim’s families.

My theory:

1. Davis did indeed work for the CIA.

2. Davis’ actions were covered by diplomatic immunity.

3. He was targeted to be killed by one of the many anti-American groups in Pakistan.

4. The two men who died attacked him.

5. They bungled the job, gave him a chance to protect himself, and he killed them.

My comment:

Given the dangers associated with being an American in Pakistan, to have a CIA cowboy driving around Lahore armed and alone is not a brilliant move. On the other hand just being in Pakistan, no matter who you are, is extremely risky. No easy answers here.