Two Men Linked To Both U.K. Plots

Sources Tell CBS News Suspects Recruited By Leader Of Al Qaeda's Iraq Branch

(CBS/AP)  Police were executing a number of search warrants across Queensland state, Australia including one at the hospital where the suspect worked recently, Australian authorities said. More arrests were expected.

Speaking in Canberra Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister John Howard confirmed the doctor arrested is an Indian national, and he also revealed that a second doctor was being interviewed in relation to information given to counterterror authorities by the first suspect.

Officials say both doctors worked at the Gold Coast Hospital in southeast Queensland and were both recruited from Liverpool.

The Indian doctor was arrested at the state capital Brisbane airport as he was about to leave the country Monday night. The second doctor was being interviewed by police Tuesday but has not been arrested.

A second doctor in Australia who was questioned over the failed attacks has been released without charge, Australia's police chief said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion Tuesday morning on a suspicious car parked outside the Forth Street Mosque in Glasgow, reported CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer.

"There's absolutely no specific information to indicate that this vehicle is a threat, however we have been working very closely over the past few days with the bomb squad," Superintendent Stewart Daniels, of Strathclyde Police, told the British Broadcasting Corp.

Police said there was no indication that the mosque had any connection to the bombing attempt in Glasgow, or to two cars packed with gasoline and gas canisters discovered in London on Friday.

Investigators have searched 19 locations in Britain as part of the "fast-moving investigation" and arrested eight people, including a total of six trained as medical doctors, CBS News can confirm.

According to the British General Medical Council's register, a man named Bilal Talal Abdul Samad Abdulla was registered in 2004 and trained in Baghdad. Staff at the Glasgow hospital said Abdulla was a diabetes specialist.

Britain's The Independent and The Muslim News newspapers reported that a man arrested in Liverpool late Saturday was a 26-year-old doctor from Bangalore, India, who worked at Halton Hospital in Cheshire, northern England. Police would not immediately comment on the reports.

The Muslim News also said the Indian doctor had used the car, cell phone and Internet account of a fellow physician who had moved from England to Australia around a year ago. It said police had asked friends of the Indian for details about the man who went to Australia.

Yet another medical trail leads to Jordan, where Mohammad Asha — arrested Saturday in northern England — received his initial medical training.

The attempted attacks in London and Glasgow came as Britain was already on heightened alert, with the second anniversary of the July 7 bombings on the horizon.

[beanerman4]

Contrary to your beliefs, George Bush may look great to historians of the future. In all liklihood, future historians will look at factors beyond Iraq and rate George Bush much higher than you can imagine.
Posted by rhs648 at 01:13 AM : Jul 04, 2007

May look great? In ALL LIKLIHOOD?

I can't IMAGINE that in my wildest nightmares!

Made me LOL hysterically.

[tom_vanmeurs]

What has driven highly, educated and trained medical men to resort to such beastly acts of babarism. What are the motives behind their actions ? I can imagine that having witnessed the appalling atrocities committed by the invaders of their home country, the dreadful carnage of mutilated bodies of women and children, may be their also own kin, that their minds have become deranged and they are seeking some sort of misguided revenge against the perpetrators of these crimes. You see this is always the result of violence. Violence breeds more violence; crime generates more crime. That is why we will be unable to stamp this out and we can expect much more to come in the years ahead. It is of our own making and we should realise this. We also believe that we can solve problems with violence.
Especially the American, society and culture is notorious for that. People, regardless whether they Americans, British or Iraqis or wherever in the world are the same. People become criminals too in the process and under the circumstances. That is why it is so important to know what I said before: what has driven these people to do such things, what is their reasoning, the psychological motivation, because we can learn from it. That is what is missing in all these reports. Could one of the news media elucidate and report on this point IN A SERIOUS, INTELLIGENT MANNER ? (I am not responding to sarcastic, abusive remarks. I am looking forward to educated responses from qualified sources)

[rhs648]

"Presidents are just one component of our representative government. There were no "great" presidents, nor were there many "bad" presidents.

They operate in a political environment that requires compromise with various factions, so the choices that are eventually made (mostly by Congress) are not necessarily their own."

Posted by tuckerndfw

tuckerndfw-I especially enjoyed your post above and agree with much of what you said. Without the rhetoric and name calling, your arguments are concise and convincing. I, too, feel that LBJ was one of our worst presidents in my lifetime. Welfare, even if well-intended, has probably done more to destroy the black family than anything else in recent history. It took many years, under Clinton, to correct some of the problems. I am not opposed to helping people in need. I am opposed to creating a permanent underclass who have no qualms taking from the system without using the assistance as an opportunity to improve their futures. I am curious why you don't like LBJ.

[juwboy]

rashid821:

Do you seriously believe that Islamic terrorists wouldn't exist if the US didn't interfere in other countries' affairs?

Just as the Soviet Union attempted to conquer the world and impose its Communist ideology on us all during the Cold War, Moslems are now trying to do the same by imposing their limb-amputating, raped-women-burning, defecating-on other-religions'-holy-sites "culture" on the civilised world.

The process began after the death of Mohammed with the conquest of North Africa and the Middle East. Subsequent invasions went as far to the east as Indonesia and into south-eastern Europe.
After a temporary lull, they are now resuming this outrageous goal with renewed vigor.

Islamic terrorism will continue until the civilised world recognizes what is happening and adopts a ruthless, uncompromising approach in its dealings with these feral thugs.

[rashid821]

It's appalling for innocent people to be in the this mess of terrorism created by America. Islamic terrorists will never exist in the first place if only the US doesn't interfere in other country's affairs. The worst part is they encourage other Western countries to join them. Now, this is the fruit they are reaping. What you sow is what you reap!

[zootallures2]

These Muslim terrorists should just recruit the MI6, CIA, and Mossad. They did such a great job on 9/11. Plus they can get thermite, confuse NORAD, pay-off or kill witnesses, and make it all look peachy with their operatives in the media. This must have been the real thing if no one got killed.

[tuckerndfw]

Fortunately, it doesn't look like the Bush pirates will be spending a lot of ink.

Posted by FeelFree1 at 01:35 AM : Jul 04, 2007

I consulted a local fortune teller.

Depends on how many years into the future.

10 years from now, people will be claiming they never voted for or supported Bush (same thing happened to Carter).

20 years from now, people will be unconcerned due to their meager day to day existence on poverty level wages, irrespective of employment.

30 years from now, people will ask, "America? Oh, it was annexed by Mexico and Canada after it's economy totally collapsed."

After which, George Bush will come to be known as the man who destroyed the USA. Of course, Jenna and Barbara will be living in luxurious mansions in Europe thanks to the trust funds Bozo is establishing with his ill gotten gains. (same thing his grandpa did during WW II)

Mission accomplished. The Bush crime family lives on to wreak havoc on some other nation in the future.

[tuckerndfw]

Posted by rhs648 at 01:35 AM : Jul 04, 2007

Presidents are just one component of our representative government. There were no "great" presidents, nor were there many "bad" presidents.

They operate in a political environment that requires compromise with various factions, so the choices that are eventually made (mostly by Congress) are not necessarily their own.

George Bush is no exception. However, what makes him far worse than others (with whom I'm personally aware) is his use of the "bully pulpit" to incite hatred towards and directed at Muslims. And, his abuse of that same "bully pulpit" to popularize a once obscure band of terrorists. Congress and the voters have no control over what he blathers on about in state of the union addresses, or other public speeches.

However, congress (led by the GOP) is equally culpable for the mess he made in Afghanistan and Iraq. They should have never given him the authority to use the military to "fight terrorists." That is a pointless goal. The military will never defeat "terrorists." Never have, never will.

Iraq is not the only issue, he routinely characterizes others in stark, divisive terms.

Based on my observations, Eisenhower was the "best" (least offensive), and until Bush came along, LBJ was the worst.

[feelfree1]

tuckerndfw,

Re: "History is written by the "winners."

True. Fortunately, it doesn't look like the Bush pirates will be spending a lot of ink.

[rhs648]

tuckerndfw- You appear to have one and only one issue on the brain, the war in Iraq. Please share with us presidents of the past who you consider good or great. No matter who you choose, I'm sure we can find people who will disagree with your choices.

[feelfree1]

Can you imagine the unelected Chimp's face carved into the side of a mountain?

That would be one dumb looking mountain!!!

[tuckerndfw]

future historians will look at factors beyond Iraq and rate George Bush much higher than you can imagine.

Posted by rhs648 at 01:13 AM : Jul 04, 2007

Unlike you, I do not have a crystal ball or access to a fortune teller.

Speaking from today, and the events that have transpired under his mismanagement and incompetence, he is the worst president we have ever had.

His legacy of terrorism will live on for at least one generation. The instances you cite of "Muslim problems" is, in part, a direct result of George Bush's incompetence.

History is written by the "winners." It is no reflection on actual events of the period. American history would be recorded far differently if King George had defeated the rebels (terrorists), or the native Americans had repelled the European invasion, or, if the south had "won" the Civil War.

By that, I am not referring to the record of actual major events, I am referring to the characterizations of the participants.

In any event, as it currently stands, based solely on performance, George Bush is the worst president in US history.

[thismachine]

christianity, that oh so peaceful religion that brought you the inquisition, the rape and plunder of the new world, strife in ireland, etc. face it, anyone who thinks god is on their side in killing others is wrong whether it's right wing kook muslims or right wing kook christians. and xzav, i'm sooo afraid of the terrorists coming here and getting us -maybe you could sign up for the military and protect us with your faith and your ability to (not) resist brainwashing.

[rhs648]

George Bush is al qaida's number one recruiter. Without him, they would have to hire someone to promote their agenda.

He is the worst president in US history, without exception.

Posted by tuckerndfw

Was Abraham Lincoln popular during the Civil War? Certainly not with southerners. He was probably condemned by many northerners for destroying the union. History looks upon Abraham Lincoln very favorably. Was Wilson popular when the United States entered WWI? Eisenhower was booed by many. Historians hold him in high esteem today. Contrary to your beliefs, George Bush may look great to historians of the future. In all liklihood, future historians will look at factors beyond Iraq and rate George Bush much higher than you can imagine.

[tuckerndfw]

Posted by rhs648 at 12:41 AM : Jul 04, 2007

George Bush is NOT the "first president" to try to combat terrorism. Terrorism is nothing new.

Terrorism has been around since before the Roman Empire burned Jerusalem to the ground in 135 CE due to "Jewish terrorism." Which led to the often whined about "diaspora." Jews and Christians (a Jewish cult) lost control of Jerusalem as a direct result of their terrorism. Ironic they whine so loudly about the same thing they did 2,000 years ago.

George Bush has done more to incite and inflame potential terrorists than anyone in modern times. Terrorism is a tactic, it is not an enemy. The military will never defeat terrorists. Never have, never will.

George Bush is al qaida's number one recruiter. Without him, they would have to hire someone to promote their agenda.

He is the worst president in US history, without exception.

[rhs648]

Corrected

Bush is currently bringing over the first wave of Iraqi refugees. That's "first wave" with many more to come.Right into the heartland.
Thanks, George. Your stupidity and duplicity will live through the ages.
The enemy within, brought to you by King George, the stupid.

Posted by vancouverboo

Unless I am mistaken, other countries such as England, France, and Russia have problems with Muslims. Look at the train bombings in Spain. The Muslim threat is everywhere--the middle east, Africa, and the western world. Memories of Americans being held hostage in Iran while Jimmy Carter was president are clear in the minds of those of us who lived during that period in history. The Muslim threat grows every year. It is absurd to blame George Bush for the Muslim threat in America. Only a consiracy theorist could believe that Geoge Bush caused 9/11. If anything, he took a stand in the sand, for which he is paying dearly in terms of low popularity. Previous presidents didn't have the "balls" to try and stop terrorism.

[rhs648]

Bush is currently bringing over the first wave of Iraqi refugees. That's "first wave" with many more to come.Right into the heartland.
Thanks, George. Your stupidity and duplicity will live through the ages.
The enemy within, brought to you by King George, the stupid.

Posted by vancouverboo

Unless I am mistaken, other countries such as England, France, and Russia have problems with Muslims. Look at the train bombings in Spain. The Muslim threat is everywhere--the middle east, Africa, and the western world. Memories of Americans being held hostage in Iran while Jimmy Carter was president are clear in the minds of those of us who lived during that period in history. The Muslim threat grows every year. It is absurd to blame George Bush for the Muslim threat in America. Only a consiracy theorist could believe that Geoge Bush caused 9/11. If anything, he took a stand in the sand, for which he is paying dearly in terms of low popularity. Previous presidents didn't have ther "balls" to try and stop terrorism.

[razmaz125]

Let me guess more terrorism from the smelly holy ragheads of the religion of peace?

And of course the usual terrorist butt-kissers on this board are out blaming us again. Its strange how incredibly self-destructive we westerners have become since muslims came into our countries in droves.

I'm just waiting for Rosie O'Donnell to come out and claim (to the recent UK attack) "this is the first time in history a steel car has ever melted from a fire!"

[rhs648]

Bush has not created terrorist. To blame Bush for terrorist is irresponsible and dishonest.
Posted by rhs648

like your syntax and grammer - as Casper so discreetly asks; are you american???? Maybe israeli?

Posted by neoconRcrazy

neoconRcrazy - Unless I missed something, I believe Casper10X was asking Toldyous if he is American. In any event, I was born and raised in America. I attended public school and then college in America. I am not Israeli or in any way affiliated with Israel. I live on the east coast and have been self-employed for the past 20 years. In my youth, I considered myself a liberal. As I got older, my views changed. Today, I lean toward conservatism. Hopefully, this has answered your question.

[tuckerndfw]

Recapping the idiotic as being conducted "war on terror":

Thousands of US soldiers have lost their lives;

Thousands of US contractors have lost their lives;

Thousands (tens, hundreds?) of unarmed, non-combatant Afghanis and Iraqis have been murdered by US and UK forces.

Tens of thousands of US personnel have been injured, physically and/or emotionally;

The US is operating the only (known) concentration camp currently in existence;

Afghanistan has risen from insignificant to non-existent poppy production under the Taliban to being the number one producer of poppy (poppy is used to produce heroin);

Most of Afghanistan (other than the oil pipeline route and the poppy fields) is still controlled by the Taliban;

Iraq has been converted from a secular dictatorship into a Muslim extremist dictatorship;

The price of oil has risen over 300%, thereby further enriching Bush and his cronies;

The US military has been decimated by Bush regime incompetence;

Al qaida has gone from relative obscurity to now being a household name. And, has potential terrorist wannabes lining up for miles. Al qaida spends no money on recruitment, they have Bush & supporters doing it for them;

and,

for all the above (and much, much more), it has only cost US taxpayers one trillion (with a T) dollars and still counting.

George Bush is the most incompetent and corrupt president in US history. His supporters are either criminals or morons, possibly both.