Yes, you read me right. Follow along, and I will make my case.
We learn that according to background interviews conducted by the Associated Press, U.S. intelligence analysts have concluded al-Qaida has rebuilt its operating capability to a level not seen since just before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, The Associated Press has learned.
The wire service reports the reports conclusion suggests that the network that launched the most devastating terror attack on the United States has been able to regroup along the Afghan-Pakistani border despite nearly six years of bombings, war and other tactics aimed at crippling it.
And please remember that earlier this week, Homeland "Security" Secretary Michael Chertoff said he had a feeling another attack might be coming. Of course he did a 180 a day later. Probably got an angry call from the top brass.
I look at these reports and see a common thread. Chertoff -whose TSA confiscates 4 oz. gels while Scotland Yard nabs real terrorists- serves the same Bush Administration that shifted valuable resources from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to invade a nation where Al-Qaida did not exist prior to 9/11. And where 0 9/11 terrorists came from.
If Bush had kept most of our combat and intelligence assets in the area where Al-Qaida is growing, well, maybe we would have really crushed the same A-Q we're still worried about nearly six years into post 9/11 frenzy.
Because we didn't, we now are seeing intelligence officials spreading fear and assertions.
Fear and assertions informed by the fact that we really don't know what the hell is going on with A-Q and what they might be planning here or overseas.
Obviously, part of what is going on here is that we want to scare AQ into thinking we are wise to their terrorist planning activities. The goal would then be to freeze them in their tracks for fear of getting caught.
The truth is, though, that statements Chertoff and these unnamed intelligence analysts make only proves the point we don't know what the hell AQ is up to.
But of course if we hadn't fired several dozen gay Arabic translators in the name of a policy that caters to some of the same political and social reactionaries who, paradoxically, are some of the "war on terror's" biggest supporters, we might have caught a clue from radio or Internet intercepts that's slipped through our fingers.
It's going to be a hot summer. I just hope it will be a safe one.