Bin Laden's operatives still using freewheeling Dubai
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Osama bin Laden's operatives still use this freewheeling city as a logistical hub three years after more than half the Sept. 11 hijackers flew directly from Dubai to the United States in the final preparatory stages for the attack.
The recent arrest of an alleged top al-Qaeda combat coach is the latest sign that suspected members of the terrorist organization are among those who take advantage of travel rules that allow easy entry. Citizens of neighboring Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia can come to Dubai without visas, which other nationalities can get at the country's ports of entry.
Once here, it's easy to blend in to what has become a cosmopolitan crowd.
The Emirates is home to an estimated 4 million people, and nearly 75% of them are foreigners. In Dubai, expatriates of all nationalities are catered to, from concerts by top Western musicians to cricket and rugby matches to a German-styled Oktoberfest
Link:http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2004-09-02-terror-dubai_x.htm
Many people here have short memories.
Ops4 God Bless America!
Al Queda operates in other allies as well. What is your point? They were here for a decade and almost inevitably still are why would anyone be surprised that they are in the UAE. There are battles in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, plots carried out in Jordan, conspirators all over Asia, in London, Madrid, Eygpt.
Don't you monitor world events? Or understand how clandestine organizations operate?
There was no clear explanation and if the administration cannot market its ideas, it's not my problem.