All's not been well with our intelligence services.

All's not been well with our intelligence services.

That became evident when the bust-up between Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils, President Thabo Mbeki and axed NIA director-general Billy Masetlha reached the public domain last year.

Then there were reports of internal divisions generated by the ANC succession battle.

So news of the establishment of a commission to review the intelligence services marks a curious development.

In his State of the Nation Address the president said intelligence agencies should at all times "operate within the the framework of our constitution and laws".

In the lead-up to the ANC's December conference, the outcome of the probe should add to political intrigue.