SOME FRIENDS ARE ALLOWED TO SPY ON THEIR 'ALLIES'. The US, for instance, can spy on India:

When the Indian Air Force sent six Su-30MKI Flankers and a couple of Il-78MKI Midas tankers to RAF Waddington [air base] on June 28 [for a two-week exercise], the U.S. and U.K. airborne intelligence agencies were provided wiSu30mkix002th a major coup. It gave them a chance to learn more about the radar frequencies of one of the most feared combat aircraft in the world -- even if it meant "eavesdropping" on their Indian friends.

And why is this important?

Why does this matter? Because the Flanker's "Slot Back" radar will also be used by Chinese and Venezuelan jets -- and if you know its frequency, you can jam. it.

It's OK for the US to do this, because it will help the US against her enemies--in spite of the fact that it will also compromise the defense of an 'ally'. But Jonathan Pollard--one of 9 Israelis held captive in a foreign country--will always be a special case.

Just as Israel is treated differently.

[Hat tip: Hot Air Headlines]

Technorati Tag: Israel and Jonathan Pollard.