Posted on 01/30/2003 4:46:05 PM PST by MadIvan
British officials have presented evidence which they claim shows that al-Qaeda has been trying to assemble radioactive material to build a so-called dirty bomb.
They have shown the BBC previously undisclosed material backing up their claim.
It includes secret intelligence from agents sent into al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan by Britain.
Posing as recruits, they blended in and reported back.
They revealed that Osama Bin Laden's weapons programme was further on than anyone thought.
British officials said on Thursday Bin Laden now has the expertise and possibly the materials to build a crude radioactive bomb.
The government says evidence suggests that by 1999, Bin Laden's priority was to develop a weapon of mass destruction.
He had acquired radioactive isotopes from the Taleban to do this, officials said, adding that development work on the "dirty bomb" had been going on in a nuclear laboratory in the Afghan city of Herat.
Evidence 'credible'
The government even has al-Qaeda training manuals which detail how to use a dirty bomb to maximum effect.
For a second opinion, the BBC showed some of the material to an expert on al-Qaeda.
"I think this is genuine," said Dr Mustafa Alani, of the Royal United Service Institute.
"It is credible. This is proof that al-Qaeda put a lot of effort into collecting information and educating other members of the organisation.
"It is possible to produce this sort of weapon."
British military personnel worked with intelligence officers to gather material which was taken to Porton Down defence research centre in Wiltshire.
Their conclusion was that al-Qaeda had a small dirty bomb but probably not a full blown nuclear device.
"From nuclear weapons the threat is very, very slim," said Gary Samore, a former US National Security Council member.
To create one, he said, al-Qaeda would have needed to obtain weapons grade nuclear material - a difficult prospect.
Saddam might have that sort of material. Hmmm. - Ivan
"On the other hand, the threat of a dirty bomb or radiological bomb, is much more plausible," he added.
British officials say the "bomb" has never been recovered but at least one leading al-Qaeda weapons expert from Herat is still at large.
Why the British government would release such top secret information has been questioned by some commentators in the Arabic world.
Abdel Bari Atwan, the editor of Al Quds al Arabi, said it was an attempt to revive fears in Britain and the US about 11 September.
"They would like to prove their point that there are links between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda," he said.
Makes perfect sense to me. I've been wondering (but very appreciative) about why Tony would be so staunchly supportive of us, even when it goes completely against the grain of his party.
Your scenario would go a long way toward explaining that.
Watch yer back and thanks for the info.
FReegards,
BTN
Because the CIA can't use the same techniques as British intel can. Like pulling a trigger on someone to become a "made man".
The US has strict laws against that kind of thing for our intel folks. The UK doesn't. In fact, some of the techniques that the UK used against the IRA were pretty brutal (but justified).
/john
Mecca sits in a valley surrounded by low hills; it's population is approximately 550,000. Though Mecca is definitely the religious capital of Saudi Arabia, remember that the Saudi political capital is Riyadh.
Clinton gave all the people mis-aiming those malfunctioning missles with dismal skillsets real black berets! Just like the real Special Force pros wore. Stole 'em right from real Airborne Ranger guys and gals! Doesn't that count for anything?
Why is that barfbag Shinseki still on the payroll?
Now a fission device, that is truly a challenge, and probably far beyond the capabilities of any terrorist group WITHOUT SUBSTANTIAL STATE ASSISTANCE.
I think that one can safely assume that we have several SSBNs on patrol at all times well within range of Iraq. And I think that it can also be safely assumed that it is a relatively quick and simple process to program in the targeting GPS coordinates for any place in the world -- including Iraq. In fact, it is a pretty safe bet that there is a file in the Pentagon somewhere with a set of targets already well thought out, and probably updated frequently, and that the programming of these targeting coordinates into the Tridents is a routine training exercise.
And if Saddam doesn't realize that we can turn his entire country into glass -- quickly and efficiently -- then he is an insane fool.
Caption should read: "OK, NOW we're sure Saddam HAD one weapon of mass distruction..."
"From nuclear weapons the threat is very, very slim," said Gary Samore, a former US National Security Council member.
What's this supposed to 'really' mean?
:-(
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