WASHINGTON, July 17, 2007
U.S. Warns Of "Evolving" Terror Threat
Al Qaeda Will Use Iraq Contacts To Mount Attack On U.S. Soil, Intelligence Estimate Claims
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Al Qaeda Still Enemy No. 1
Six years after 9/11, al Qaeda is still determined to strike the U.S. A National Intelligence Estimate report says it will try harder to put operatives inside the country. Bob Orr reports.
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The declassified key findings, to be released publicly on Tuesday, were obtained in advance by The Associated Press.
The report lays out a range of dangers — from al Qaeda to Lebanese Hezbollah to non-Muslim radical groups — that pose a "persistent and evolving threat" to the country over the next three years. As expected, however, the findings focus most of their attention on the gravest terror problem: Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff tells CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric in an exclusive interview that "what this intelligence estimate confirms is a general sense that we're entering a period where we do have to be concerned about a heightened risk. There is a recognition that we've degraded the capabilities of al Qaeda, but also we have to be concerned that they are beginning to regenerate and that they have found some kind of safe haven in certain parts of South Asia.”
Fran Townsend, the White House's Homeland Security adviser, said at a Tuesday morning press conference, "We are facing a persistent terrorist enemy led by al Qaeda that remains driven and intent on attacking the homeland and that continues to adapt and improve its capabilities."Exclusive: Homeland Security Head Michael Chertoff
Transcript: Michael Chertoff Interview
She added that "we have no credible information pointing to a specific imminent attack or the timing or execution of such an attack. But the warning is clear, and we are taking it seriously."
Officials say there's no evidence al Qaeda has acquired weapons of mass destruction or injected a sleeper cell into the U.S. but both goals remain top priorities, reports CBS News correspondent Bob Orr.
"Of note," the report said, "we assess that al Qaeda will probably seek to leverage the contacts and capabilities of al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), its most visible and capable affiliate and the only one known to have expressed a desire to attack the homeland."
The analysts also found that al Qaeda's association with its Iraqi affiliate helps the group to energize the broader Sunni Muslim extremist community, raise resources and recruit and indoctrinate operatives — "including for homeland attacks."
It also paints a worrisome picture of increased training at camps along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, giving al Qaeda added capability to mount strikes on the U.S. and its key allies.
CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reported that while the northern area of Pakistan, much of which is controlled by local tribes, has always been a stronghold of the Taliban, it's now also home to a resurgent al Qaeda.
The report said that the radical and violent segment of the Muslim population in the West is expanding.
"We assess that this internal Muslim terrorist threat is not likely to be as severe as it is in Europe, however," the report said.
Orr adds that there is some good news in the otherwise grim assessment: according to the report, counterterrorism efforts and new security measures have "constrained the ability" of al Qaeda "to attack the U.S. Homeland again." And, terrorists perceive the United States to be "a harder target to strike than on 9/11."
National Intelligence Estimates are the most authoritative written judgments of the 16 spy agencies across the breadth of the U.S. government. These agencies reflect the consensus, long-term thinking of top intelligence analysts. Portions of the documents are occasionally declassified for public release.
The White House brushed off critics who allege the administration released the intelligence estimate at the same time the Senate is debating Iraq. White House press secretary Tony Snow pushed back at the critics Tuesday, saying they are "engaged in a little selective hearing themselves to shape the story in their own political ways."National Intelligence Estimate: The Terrorist Threat to U.S. Homeland
"We don't keep it on the shelf and say `Let's look for a convenient time,’" Snow said.
"(What) we're trying to remind people is that this is a real threat. This is not an attempt to divert. As a matter of fact ... we would much rather — one of the things we'd like to do is call attention to the successes in the field" in Iraq, he said.
Democrats said the report was proof U.S. anti-terrorism efforts were being drained by the Iraq war.
"We must responsibly redeploy our troops out of Iraq, handing responsibility for security over to the Iraqis and leaving only those forces required for limited missions," said Rep. Ike Skelton, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This will allow us to concentrate our efforts on Afghanistan and the al Qaeda terrorists who attacked us on 9/11."
House Republican leader Rep. John Boehner said the report confirms gains made by Mr. Bush and blamed Democrats for being too soft on terrorism.
"Retreat is not a new way forward when the safety and security of future generations of Americans are at stake," he said in a statement.
The new report echoed statements made by senior intelligence officials over the last year, including the assessment of spy agencies that the United States is in a "heightened threat environment." It also provided new details on their thinking and concerns.
For instance, the report says that worldwide counterterrorism efforts since 2001 have constrained al Qaeda's ability to attack the U.S. again and convinced terror groups that U.S. soil is a tougher target.
But, the report quickly adds, analysts are concerned "that this level of international cooperation may wane as 9/11 becomes a more distant memory and perceptions of the threat diverge."
Among the report's other findings:
© MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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See all 612 CommentsAlexander, Lamar- (R - TN)
Allard, Wayne- (R - CO)
Chambliss, Saxby- (R - GA)
Cochran, Thad- (R - MS)
Coleman, Norm- (R - MN)
Collins, Susan M.- (R - ME)
Cornyn, John- (R - TX)
Craig, Larry E.- (R - ID)
Dole, Elizabeth- (R - NC)
Dominici, Pete- (R - NM)
Enzi, Michael B.- (R - WY)
Graham, Lindsey- (R - SC)
Hagel, Chuck- (R - NE)
Inhofe, James M.- (R - OK)
McConnell, Mitch- (R - KY)
Roberts, Pat- (R - KS)
Sessions, Jeff- (R - AL)
Smith, Gordon H.- (R - OR)
Stevens, Ted- (R - AK)
Sununu, John E.- (R - NH)
Warner, John- (R - VA)
If we were never in Iraq, would al-Qaeda have been a threat to us from Iraq?
Or is just because we are there in the first place?
I bet if we left Iraq al-Qaeda would too.
Probably go back home.
And don't give me the repub answer that they would follow us home. That's Bull.
God, what a fool Bush is!!! He is completely incapable of doing anything right. He backs the wrong people, he creates situations where there is nothing but chaos and destruction.
The sooner he leaves office, the better off the WHOLE WORLD will be.
Ridiculous!!! What is LIB? Is Bush LIB? He certainly knows how to hold hands with the Saudis and never ever counts them as terrorists, although Bin Laden is a Saudi, most of the 9/11 terrorists were Saudi and even today, 50% of the terrorists crossing into Iraq are Saudi. These are the people killing our troops. We do not have to worry about setting up fences to keep out terrorists under this administration ~ we welcome them to our ranches and entertain them royally.
&
%
demand that the Southern Borders be locked down. We won't be able to control any threats until we do.
AGREED! The number one terror threat in the USA are the original 11 Confederate States. These LOSERS have had it out for the USA ever since we slaughtered their dumber than nails ancestors in the US Civil War.
And you are still stuck on your friggin Holy War --- Iraq is friggin Lost Dickweed, stop hurting our troops.
Posted by mbcsmith at 10:15 AM : Jul 17, 2007
Then go after bin Laden, D i p s h i t. Did you find bin Laden in Iraq? If Iraq wasn't so tragic, Bush could turn it over to Hanna-Barbera and he could play the part of Huckleberry.
al Qaeda is stronger than ever and this is the result of "Stay the Course" and "Mission Accomplished". Two Bush bumper sticker terms!
Oh, and by the way, thanks Haliburton for selling those centrifuges to Iran.
If the al qaeda "safe haven" is in northern Pakistan, why are we in Iraq? And why aren't "our friends," the Pakistanis, doing something about it.
singingrick, your anti-Muslim rants and ravings are becoming irrelevant. You're sounding more like the anti-Christ than an anti-Muslim.
"Liberals" as you call them, don't blame "their country." We blame the Bush neocons and people like you who lied their way into a needless war.
Bush and his neocons, and people like you do not constitute "our country." The people of "our country" would not have favored or supported this war if not for the lies that got us into it.
By the way, singingrick, where's the support for the war now that the "truth" is out? Even the repugnicants are leaving, one by one. LOL!!!
You and your un-dying chauvinism are quickly becoming irrelevant.
Posted by condumism
I don't know where you live, but I wish you'd just go ... anywhere! I have lived in the south all my lie and it just so happens that not all of us are republiCANTS! I tend to agree with a lot you say, just not your overwhelming hatred of anything southern.
The Washington source said Mr Bush and Mr Cheney did not trust any potential successors in the White House, Republican or Democratic, to deal with Iran decisively. They are also reluctant for Israel to carry out any strikes because the US would get the blame in the region anyway.
Looks like we're gunna have to fight 'em over here as well as over there Mr. Bush, you fcuking A-whole.
And with allies like the Saudis and Pakistan, woo HOO! We'll git'er done in Iraq, sure...democracy will fill the mid east Mr. Bush.
Damm it!! Our President is such a Dikkhead. And so is Dikkhead Cheney.
Turn off the drug addict Limbaugh.
"They proved this on 9-11-01 by killing thousands of innocent people"
WHO DID? DID IRAQ ATTACK THE US?
On 9-11 Iraq DIDN't HAVE ANY jihadists out to get America. Saddam didn't allow them in his country. HE RULED, not al qaeda or taliban.
Again, turn off LIMBAUGH, you're following him like Manson.
They do now....why?
We are all afraid, now go away.
Oh yeah almost forgot... Bush and his allies.
If we want this to end this WAR, then by all means use what is necessary (a nuke will do) but we will have to endure great sacrifices and criticism from all corners of the world.
Al qaida is not a nation, it is not an organized military, nor does it have a command structure than can be defeated. It is a gang, much like any other gang, except it does not have a leader or leadership.
The "war on terror" as being conducted by the Bush administration is the most ridiculous effort ever undertaken by anyone, anywhere, at anytime.
IRAQ IS NOT IN AMERICAN INTEREST!
Posted by tuckerndfw at 11:38 AM : Jul 17, 2007
Arrogance will do that to you. Cheney and Bush have been so arrogant that my son could beat them. They've been out manuvered at every turn and these people have USED their Red Neck Attitude to pretty much back them into a corner.
Please tell me so I can join!
Posted by MCVet at 11:53 AM : Jul 17, 2007
We agree they are arrogant. As are most Zionists. They seem to think Rambo movies are based on reality.
But, Bush and Cheney only have one goal and that is to further enrich themselves and their war profiteering friends. Based on ExxonMobil's earnings statements, they are doing a fantastic job.
Greedy people, such as Bush, Cheney and supporters do not concern themselves with how many people they murder, or how much misery they inflict on others, their only goal is to fatten their own bank accounts.
Barbara and Jenna (Bush twins) will never have to worry over mundande matters like getting real jobs. Their daddy made sure his princesses will be millionaires for the rest of their lives. Same as his grandpa did for him during WW II.
War profits should be ceased and returned to the US Treasury. Including 100% of the entire Bush (and Cheney) family's property, including "trust funds."
Let Bush get a real job or live on social security when he leaves the White House. Barbara and Jenna can always find work at Walmart or McD's.
The level of malicious audacity of this man and his administration has truly gone beyond anything I have experienced in my meager life.
That he is still free to smear Americans with more fear, propoganda, and maybe its lies, maybe it isn't spin is the most horrific part.
Jim Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs -- Just resigned
Posted by singinrick at 11:55 AM : Jul 17, 2007
We agree.
He wheels this crappolla out every time he wants to scare his republican monkeys back into the cage.
Sad thing is, it works all too well.
Yeah singinrick, yopu don't agree with his political point of view, so he must be siding with the enemy. How f*cking brilliant of you, what a great argument.
But what is unbelievable are the number of Americans who think doing the same thing in Iraq over and over again for four years will suddenly produce different results.
We could use some Divine Intervention to expedite their exit.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/09/60minutes/main592330.shtml
Oh krap, they didn't.
You mean abandoning all of our principals, illegally abducting foreign and domestic citizens, placing them in secret prisons indefinitely without charge or representation where they are tortured and murdered, preemptively attacking other countries, and placing our entire nation and the world under illegal surveillance, only multiplies our enemies?
Gee. Who would have thought.
Oh yeah, I know.
Our founding fathers.
They warned time and time again that if America became evil we would destroy ourselves because our strength was primarily derived from the power of our moral authority.
Now that that is lost, all is lost.
Unless we return to the principles our nation was founded upon.
The only way to so that is to immediately impeach Bush and Cheney, and try all their henchmen, for high treason and crimes against humanity. Then we can apologize to the world for temporarily loosing our minds, and for the hundreds of thousands we have illegally murdered and maimed, and get back to being Americans again.
ST
"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."
Thomas Paine, Dissertation on First Principles of Government, December 23, 1791
"The greatest persuader is the ever encroaching power of truth."
SearingTruth
A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com
off and start profiling the people that are a potential danger to this country, not old ladies and babies.
Posted by cathaleen at 12:20 PM : Jul 17, 2007
I hate to break the news to you, but police agencies routinely profile people.
You seem to think "terrorists" belong to a specific group that can be profiled.
I have more bad news for you, most American "terrorists" are anglo-saxon, protestant males.
Good luck with your "profiling."
Instead, we gave them space and even fertile ground to grow in Iraq and elsewhere.
Yet another painful example to the failed polices of GW Bush.
Posted by singinrick at 12:27 PM : Jul 17, 2007
Once again, proving you are a liar.
I am an atheist which precludes me from having the same views as any of you religious nutjobs. But, you are a known liar and troll, so your hysterical shrieking (trolling, lies) is to be expected.
You represent religious extremism very well.
Terrorist like summer this is true and is sponsored by Daytona 500,The Beach Boys and the 4th of July. Terrorist also like to wear long robes this is sponsored by Bond Street and Redfern.All terrorist wear sandals made by Reef footwear even when it snows in the desert.
Just joking do not get your panties in a knot.
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