Now, lets look in-depth at a few things that this report quotes:
WASHINGTON - A new threat assessment from U.S. counterterrorism analysts says that al-Qaida has used its safe haven along the Afghan-Pakistan border to restore its operating capabilities to a level unseen since the months before Sept. 11, 2001.
A counterterrorism official familiar with a five-page summary of the document titled "Al-Qaida better positioned to strike the West" called it a stark appraisal. The analysis will be part of a broader meeting at the White House on Thursday about an upcoming National Intelligence Estimate.
The findings suggests that the network that launched the most devastating terror attack on U.S. soil has been able to regroup despite nearly six years of bombings, war and other tactics aimed at dismantling it.
Of course none of this effects our Idiot-in-Chief, lets look what he has to say about it:
At his news conference Thursday, President Bush acknowledged the report's existence and al-Qaida's continuing threat to the United States. He said, however, that the report refers only to al-Qaida's strength in 2001, not prior to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The group was at its strongest throughout most of that year, with well-established training camps in Afghanistan, recruitment networks and command structures.
"Because of the actions we've taken, al-Qaida is weaker today than they would have been," he said. "They are still a threat. They are still dangerous. And that is why it is important that we succeed in Afghanistan and Iraq and anywhere else we find them."
Now, just what world is Bush living in? NeverNever Land, or Wonderland? It is plain to see that this administration's idiotic diverting of our resources to Iraq from Afganistan not only let bin-Laden escape, but now has allowed al-Queda to regroup, and they are as strong now as they ever were. Look at this assessment from the counter-terrorism official that blew the whistle on this report:
Al-Qaida is "considerably operationally stronger than a year ago" and has "regrouped to an extent not seen since 2001," the counterterrorism official said, paraphrasing the report's conclusions. "They are showing greater and greater ability to plan attacks in Europe and the United States."
The group also has created "the most robust training program since 2001, with an interest in using European operatives," the official quoted the report as saying.
At the same time, this official said, the report speaks of "significant gaps in intelligence" so U.S. authorities may be ignorant of potential or planned attacks.
What he is saying is that this "War on Terror" has been just what John Edwards said, a slogan to keep anyone from speaking out against the War in Iraq. All the while, this administrations diversion of troops and resources to Iraq has allowed al-Queda to regroup, and now they have the ability to strike in Europe and America, just like on 9-11 and just like before. Not to mention that they allowed bin-Laden to dance away scot-free, dialysis machine in tow. Bush and Cheney and their PNAC handlers have also failed miserably in shoring up our intelligence. In other words, because of their use of the "War on Terror" bumper sticker slogan to stifle debate and find real solutions to the threat of al-Queda not only was incompetent, but today we face just as much of a threat from these people as we always did. John Edwards was right when he said the "War on Terror" is a slogan, and actually has made us less safe.
Now, lets look at Edwards statement released today in response to the newly rebuilt and equally dangerous al-Queda:
"Today's report that Al Qaeda has rebuilt its operating capability to a level unseen since just before 9/11 is an unsettling reminder of the failures of President's Bush's 'War on Terror' doctrine. Months ago, John Edwards stepped up as the only major candidate to call the 'War on Terror' doctrine what it is -- a sledgehammer that the Administration uses to beat down their domestic political opponents, a bumper sticker to distract from a host of policies that have compromised our moral leadership of the world, and a military doctrine that has badly backfired against terrorism -- as today's report reveals.
"The report proves that a real effort to arrest the spread of terrorism is needed to replace the Administration's bumper sticker. John Edwards has proposed a bold new 'smart power' anti-terror strategy that would shut down both the effects of terrorism and its root causes. As president, John Edwards will apply the full extent of our security apparatus to protect our vital interests, to take measures to root out terrorist cells, and to strike swiftly and strongly against those who would do us harm. He will also launch a sweeping effort to eliminate the conditions that generate instability, radicalism, and violence toward the U.S. and our allies."
http://www.johnedwards.com/...
I think it is time to give credit where credit is due. It took guts for John Edwards to stand up and denounce this propoganda ploy for what it is, a means to stifle debate and keep our country locked into the failed PNAC policies of this administration. We need more than slogans and the questioning of people's patriotism to eleviate the threat posed by terror societies such as this, we need a real leader who addresses the problem realistically, not to satisfy some neo-con think tank that has been wrong every step of the way. John Edwards deserves much credit for standing up and telling the truth to power. I wish all our top tier candidates had the common sense and courage to call this "War on Terror" for what it is, garbage!!
I invite everyone to look once again at a plan that would really fight the root causes of terrorism without questioning anyone's patriotism, and without depending on childish themes that reek of propoganda:
http://www.johnedwards.com/...
Once again, history is proving John Edwards to be right, no matter how much heat he has taken for denouncing the phony "War on Terror". Edwards deserves our thanks for making a brave stance in debunking this neo-con fantasy and coming up with a real plan to fight terrorism and make us all safer. Again, this shows that Edwards has the most maturity, common-sense, and courage to lead our country in a direction we can all be proud of.
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