Stories from 2002-07-29

"Saad bin Laden has been in charge of the organisation 'since the US offensive against al-Qaeda bases in Afghanistan,' which began in October, and al-Qaeda's pullout from its main hideouts in the country. This disclosure 'substantiates the theory that bin Laden was killed or seriously wounded' in the US-led military campaign." [more]

" 'Al-Qaeda itself, we know, is less than 200,' said an FBI official, referring to those who have sworn allegiance to Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind behind the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. That figure — far fewer than recent press reports have suggested are in the U. S. alone — is based on evidence gathered by the FBI and CIA. It includes Al-Qaeda members who are now in custody at Guantanamo Bay." [more]

ìWith the addition of Jim and Dennis to the Federal Team we are now able to more extensively and responsively meet the needs of our military and intelligence community customers,î said Joe Dodd, Space Imagingís vice president of Federal Alliances. ìOur Federal Sales team offers expertise in all security applications of imagery to include decision support tools for national and global security; military training; 3-D modeling and simulation; disaster assessment and risk management; humanitarian relief and emergency response; facilities management; and environmental management.î [more]

"The 'inside-out' approach, as some call this Baghdad-first option, would capitalize on the American military's ability to strike over long distances, maneuvering forces to envelop a large target. Those advocating that plan say it reflects a strong desire to find a strategy that would not require a full quarter-million American troops, yet hits hard enough to succeed. One important aim would be to disrupt Iraq's ability to order the use of weapons of mass destruction." [more]

"[South-East Asia] Regional officials have agreed a landmark declaration of co-operation with the US that will give the Americans, which has 100,000 troops in the region, far greater latitude to operate against terrorists in their countries. It will be signed by Colin Powell, the US Secretary of State, who meets Foreign Ministers from the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) in Brunei tomorrow." [more]

"In a separate interview with Svenska Dagbladet, the Swedish newspaper, Mr Ekeus said that he had learnt after he left his position that the US had placed two of its own agents in the group of inspectors." [more]