re post no. 3974
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1047422/posts "Analysis: Al-Qaida's second breath" (Al Qaeda, Pakistan, Saudi) -- IMPORTANT INFO)
UPI ^ | Dec. 26, 2003 | Claude Salhani
Posted on 12/27/2003 3:03:02 PM PST by FairOpinion
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- The two recent failed attempts on the life on Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf, the heightened terror threat-level in the United States and the scare over trans-Atlantic airline hijackings on Christmas Day are obvious indications that al-Qaida is alive and well, and clearly engaged on a second major offensive.
Following their ouster from Afghanistan by U.S. forces in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Osama bin Laden's group was forced to flee its strongholds, abandoning training camps and safe houses. But by now they have had ample time to catch their breath, regroup, reassess and plan their next steps, which now appears to be unfolding."