ISLAMABAD It, at times, is incomprehensible to decipher how the biased individuals with controversial histories pave their way into the international intelligentsia fora and reputed research institutions that are required to show strict adherence to objectivity. Matt Waldman, the author of the so-called research paper, The Sun in The Sky: The Relationship Between Pakistans ISI and Afghan Insurgents, that blamed ISI and Pakistani Government of funding Taliban, which was incorporated by London School of Economics in its discussion papers, was the centre-stage of all those controversial policies of the West towards the South Asia and the adjoining region that drew wide criticism across the globe. Even Waldmans biography at Kennedy School of Governments website confirms that he was the Liberal Democrats Foreign Affairs and Defence Advisor in the UK Parliament from 2004-06, with responsibilities to formulate policies on Iraq and Afghanistan. Waldman was formerly the head of policy and advocacy in Afghanistan and worked there for two and half years. It is recall worthy that his policy assignments for Afghanistan and Iraq in last few years mark the same time period during which the former US spies Art Keller, Robert Baer and Rich Barlow were deputed by CIA in this region and they have, of late, publicly confessed about their heinous undercover activities that were in through synch with the respective policy making level. The visible tilt of Carr Centre for Human Rights Policy, Keneddy School of Government, which employs Waldman, towards the US policy line would not be surprising amid the presence of some other 'researchers with questionable career in the South Asian and Middle Eastern region. One of Waldmans colleagues Ali Allawi served as Minister in the US backed Interim Government in Iraq in 2003. Another one Paul Fishstein worked in Kabul at provincial levels on USAID-funded initiatives including cross-border reconstruction activities in Quetta and Islamabad. Others including David Mansfield and Gerard Russell had been involved in different controversies related to aid packages for Afghanistan and continuous interference and influence in Afghanistan policymaking, during their stay in the country and Pakistan as well. On account of these obvious reasons besides evident flaws in research content, the 'research has received wide criticism. There is mention of a Taleban Supreme Council and a Shura, as if there is a formal structure that meets with the ISI as a member. Those familiar with such operations know that even when seven militant groups were being coordinated jointly by the CIA and the ISI against the Soviets in Afghanistan there never was such a formal body. It simply does not work in that neat way. Even if there was such a body no Afghan in his right mind would allow Pakistans ISI to be a part of it. If this is what Mr Waldman was told then he has been taken for a ride. Raven Gale reports at ZoneAsia.com