[hobbes1]

Keep in mind, Padilla converted to Islam in 1993 and the OKC bombing was in 1995. With the planning time necessary, how likely is it that Al Qaeda would entrust a newbie with the one largest terrorist bombings ever attempted to that point?

Actually, very likely. It is AlQueda's (and Iraqs) style to leave someone holding the bag, (as in WTC...) without sacrificing the true talent behind the mission, this would be true in 9/11 as well, as Mohammed Atta, aside from being described as the mastermind, could not possibly have been. He does not seem sophisticated enough to have masterminded a 3 am bodega holdup in harlem. (witness the incedent with him and the USDA woman....).

[Eva]

I read in a thread this morning that Padilla was allowed visits by a Moslem Cleric while in prision in '91. I think that makes him an excellent choice as a recruit. This was one angry young man (road rage conviction) who ready for someone to step in and channel that anger.

[justanotherfreeper]

He does not seem sophisticated enough to have masterminded a 3 am bodega holdup in harlem. (witness the incident with him and the USDA woman....)

That USDA woman was none too bright herself -- he threatened to cut her throat, for God's sake! Talk about being a stereotypical bureaucrat -- I halfway expected her to say "but I told him he couldn't cut my throat until he filled out Form 89(b)(i) in triplicate" Padilla may or may not be the OKC John Doe, but if he is I'm sure he was missed through stupidity, not conspiracy.