Posted on 10/18/2004 6:29:43 PM PDT by TexasTaysor
Bush isn't protecting our seaports? Shadow War: The Untold Story of How Bush is Winning the War on Terror | 2004 | Richard Miniter
Posted on 10/18/2004 6:49:46 AM PDT by TexasTaysor
(John Kerry stated in the 3rd debate that our seaports were not being protected, that Bush had failed miserably and he would do it better. Bush is doing it just fine.)
Chapter 5 - Terror At Sea
“This is the story of that war, one that America and it’s allies have unequivocally won so far. It is the largely untold tale of ingenious terrorist plots, modern-day pirates, and attack on a French-flagged oil tanker, the high-speed pursuit of bin Laden’s fifteen-ship fleet, the capture of the “al Qaeda admiral,” the killings of two key al Qaeda operatives, and the ominous designs of deep-sea terrorists who wanted to learn how to dive but not to resurface.”
“At the height of his powers, al-Nashiri commanded a fleet of some fifteen cargo ships, which he dispatched to smuggle terrorists, tons of explosives, and cartons of cash or drugs....even had the power to order the conversion of freighters into floating bombs.”
“He arranged for the shipment of explosives for the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania…..”
“Naval intelligence had suspicions about the ship’s owners. The Sara, originally known as the Ryno, was owned by a Pakistani American, Rifat Muhammed, and Dimitris Kokkos, a Romanina who is wanted by the Greek government for smuggling and other activities.”
“A French-flagged oil tanker, the Limburg……October 6, 2002…..three hundred thousand barrels if Iranian crude oil……Members of al Qaeda were waiting in a small, explosives-packed fishing boat…..their primary target, a U.S. warship…..they steered for the Limburg…..”We would have preferred to hit a U.S. frigate”, a terrorist from the Islamic Army of Aden said,” but no problem, because they are all infidels.”
“Agents nabbed al-Nashiri…..”
Countries involved in our efforts at sea include Italy, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Turkey, Britain, Greece, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Singapore, among others.
You've already posted this once, chief.
I think the big issue with ports is that a vast majority of freight containers (95%?) are not searched.
Having looked into the issue, I don't think the problem is resolvable by any candidate, because a real solution would bust the economy.
Gee the last time I checked we haven't been attacked ...guess he ISN"T doing his job very well...but this does give terrorists ideas, doesn't it? Anyone think that "maybe" Kerry wants a terrorist to attack us???
I guess that must be why the U.S. has had so many attacks that arrived via the seaports the last four years, no?
One attack during Bush's watch equals see it for what it is: War. Respond. Defend. Fight Back. Protect.
Previous administration Democrats: WTC I "nuisance" and USS Cole 10/2000 equals no response.
Most of our port security actually takes place in foreign ports. The ships are inspected and certified before they ever leave port. Only ships departing from certified foreign ports are allowed to enter US waters. Foreign governments have to cooperate with us if they want their ships to be allowed into our ports.
Our Coast Guard is operating world wide stopping and inspecting ships anywhere on the seas. Satellite coverage of all ships is extensive.Crew and passengers are examined before the ships set sail for the US.
Once a bomb ship is already in a US port it's too late to inspect it.
Security has been stepped up at the ports, according to what I have seen personally at the Long Beach shipyards and from asking several different Longshoreman EVERY (that is every with a capital E) is scrutinized, checked for origin, some X-rayed, and geiger counters are used.
Security is way up "post 9-11" .
Another play on words, 97% are not "searched" of course not !, it would be stupid and insane to unload and check every bannana.
Another case of a 90 second debate kwestion that requires a 90 minute answer. Bush was so busy trying to squelch lies it was like trying to piss out a forest fire.
Bush would protect our seaports, but the left gets upset when he gets on a ship. Sheesh
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