Posted on 12/22/2005 5:15:33 AM PST by ironman
http://www.msnbc.com/news/627355.asp?cp1=1#4
Better link.
It was not until Sept. 7, 1998 "after bin Laden apparently stopped using his phone that a newspaper reported that the United States had intercepted his phone calls and obtained his voiceprint."
So the media DID report it and it's ok because "apparently" Bin Laden had stopped using the cell phone. Uh and how do they know that, and even IF he hadn't placed a recent call how do they know he wouldn't??
And everything else revealed about Bin Laden's phone use was revealed by the press as well, as stated in the story. So the story disproves its own premise.
BTW the fact that Bin laden previously mentioned that he used a satellite phone indicates he didn't think it could be tracked. Duh.
not urban myth, correct term should be media myth
Yes, and by publicizing that we could trace Bin Laden's satellite phone - duh - the media was also alerting other terrorists not to use them. This story is pathetic, it could have been titled "How The Media DID Leak US Ability To Track Bin Laden"
Shhh...
Don't tell anyone, but I heard that the US is getting ready to invade Iwo Jima on their way to kicking Tojo's butt.
</sarcasm>
Why is is an urban myth only after President Bush repeats it?
Silly..it's only an urban myth when a republican says it.
I agree, the author's case that this is an urban legend is quite weak. In fact:
We know bin Laden used satellite phones. We know it was leaked to the press that we were tracking him. He stopped using his satellite phones right about the same time all this discussion was going on in the media. It is certainly reasonable that he was alerted we were onto him.
This is NOT an "urban legend".
The MSM would like to make it that, to justify their continuing leaks, which result in aiding the enemy.
Several members of the Bush administration mentioned it and I believe them.
bump
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