Helping Al Qaeda Get Buff

By Joe Klein | @JoeKleinTIME | April 2, 2007 | +

The New York Times piece today about the new generation of Al Qaeda leaders has this quote from Rob Richer, formerly of the CIA:

“The jihadis returning from Iraq are far more capable than the mujahedeen who fought the Soviets ever were,” said Robert Richer, who was associate director of operations in 2004 and 2005 for the C.I.A. “They have been fighting the best military in the world, with the best technology and tactics.”

Yet more evidence that Bush’s “War” on “Terror” has given Osama Bin Laden just exactly what he wanted–greater stature in the Arabic-speaking world and, apparently, a new generation of more effective fighters. I’m still boggled that we haven’t made any aerial, covert or special forces moves against the Al Qaeda training facilities in Pakistan.

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