Some points (mainly about Eloise Hawking) have me thinking.
So...
This theory posits that the Others are responsible for the DHARMA Initiative, and that leaders from the Others and DHARMA work together both on and off the island. In essence, they are the same leaders.
Not everyone in DHARMA knows what's going on (reference Horace's "circle of trust"), and it seems reasonable that not all the Others would necessarily know, either. There may be good reason to maintain a facade of "war/truce" between the two groups, and keep some of the membership in the dark. But leaders in both groups are working together toward some common goal.
- We know that Eloise and Charles Widmore were part of the Others in the 50's, proving that they were on the same side, at least at one time.
We know that Eloise has access to at least one off-island DHARMA station. It is from Eloise that we know its name as the Lamppost.
We know at the Lamppost that Eloise tolerates and directs Ben... and Ben listens and follows.
At the Lamppost, Eloise describes, perhaps with some reverence, the "very clever man" who determined (for DHARMA?) how to get to the island. Who this is has yet to be revealed, but there's only one character on the show that's been shown so far with the ability to do it... and he has a very direct relationship with Eloise.
It is Charles Widmore who gives Desmond the address to find Eloise and the Lamppost, so Charles remains aware of Eloise's life and whereabouts, and likely the Lamppost station itself.
It seems irrational to think that the Others would allow DHARMA such latitude on their turf, including a major construction project (the Swan). If the Others were complicit in the activity, however, it makes perfect sense.
So...
This theory posits that the Others are responsible for the DHARMA Initiative, and that leaders from the Others and DHARMA work together both on and off the island. In essence, they are the same leaders.
Not everyone in DHARMA knows what's going on (reference Horace's "circle of trust"), and it seems reasonable that not all the Others would necessarily know, either. There may be good reason to maintain a facade of "war/truce" between the two groups, and keep some of the membership in the dark. But leaders in both groups are working together toward some common goal.
