February 21, 2004

Breaking News

Posted by shonk at 07:52 PM in War | TrackBack

Bin Laden ‘surrounded’:

A BRITISH Sunday newspaper is claiming Osama bin Laden has been found and is surrounded by US special forces in an area of land bordering north-west Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Sunday Express, known for its sometimes colourful scoops, claims the al-Qaeda leader has been “sighted” for the first time since 2001 and is being monitored by satellite.

The paper claims he is in a mountainous area to the north of the Pakistani city of Quetta. The region is said to be peopled with bin Laden supporters and the terrorist leader is estimated to also have 50 of his fanatical bodyguards with him.

The claim is attributed to “a well-placed intelligence source” in Washington, who is quoted as saying: “He (bin Laden) is boxed in.”

The paper says the hostile terrain makes an all-out conventional military assault impossible. The plan to capture him would depend on a “grab-him-and-go” style operation.

As a friend just said, I’ll believe it when I see it.

(Link via Seny)

Comments

This is the best quote:

'"The timing of that order will ultimately depend on President Bush," the paper says. "Capturing bin Laden will certainly be a huge help for him as he gets ready for the election."'

Posted by: Curt at February 21, 2004 08:54 PM

But actually, even if this all proves to be true, wouldn't it be counterproductive to capture bin Laden right before the election? Bush's whole platform would evaporate, just as Churchill was booted out of office once Hitler was beaten. Of course there is little chance that terrorism or even al-Qaida would cease to be if bin Laden were captured, but if there is one person most responsible for promulgating the belief that they would, it is undoubtedly Bush.

Posted by: Curt at February 21, 2004 09:01 PM