Thanks. That's what I'm trying to verify. This whole thing smells. And what really smelled was Hillary's little speech "Well publicized report" and Rummy's response. "How did you see it. I hadn't even seen it?"
http://www.komotv.com/stories/31141.htm Oregon Arrest Just The Latest In String Of Northwest Terror-Related Arrests
May 7, 2004
By Tracy Vedder
SEATTLE - Brandon Mayfield's arrest is the latest in a string of terror investigations in the Northwest.
Some key players: Ahmed Ressam arrested in Port Angeles in 1999; James Ujaama indicted in the summer of 2002; and the Portland 7 arrested later that fall.
On the surface, there have been no connections between them. But all were convicted of aiding either al-Qaida or the Taliban and that raises some serious questions about terror cells operating in our area.
"Ties like this are surprising," says Rob Jacobs, Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League.
The investigation of Brandon Mayfield is only the latest in a series of high profile terrorist investigations centered in the Northwest.
"We don't really know why there seems to be some interest in the Northwest by al-Qaida and perhaps by others who wish us harm," said U.S. Attorney John McKay. "But we do know that means we need to be as vigilant as we can be."
It started with Ahmed Ressam. In December of 1999, he crossed the border into Port Angeles carrying explosives and other bomb-making materials in the trunk of his car. Ressam trained in Osama bin Ladin's terror camps in Afghanistan.
It seemed an isolated incident, but was it?
"The fact that there are connections from Seattle all the way to incidents in Spain," says Jacobs, "indicate that it could be a much more extensive network here."
The Anti-Defamation League tracks terrorist activity. It followed the Ressam case and then the 2002 investigation of former Seattle man James Ujaama, accused of trying to set up a terror training camp in Oregon. After that, the arrest of the Portland 7 - six men and one woman convicted of trying to join the Taliban and wage war against the U.S.
The ADL doesn't know of any specific connections between these cases, but wonders if it's a sign of a deeper problem here.
"The networks of these cells," muses Jacobs, "the potential for terrorism is much more widespread than we expected."
U.S. Attorney John McKay agrees, the Northwest seems to be part of the terrorist's playbook. "I think what it means is there are indications of potential activity here, maybe more so than in other parts of the country."
McKay adds that his office is concerned that with the arrest of Mayfield, there is yet another alleged terrorist connection to the Northwest. And he tells KOMO 4 News that means additional protection at key places such as buildings and bridges, and taking a closer look at transportation safety.