Opportunity lost

Today, the Washington Post presented the first of an outstanding two-part story on the hunt for Osama bin Laden prior to September 11. It is a very insightful look at a lost opportunity that could possibly have changed the course of history. The story points out how factions within the CIA and the Clinton White House failed to grasp just how dangerous bin Laden and Al Queda would prove to be, and the frustrations of mid-level CIA operatives to get Washington to understand before it became too late.

For those who complain about George Bush, what we have today may in part be an equal and opposite reaction to the laissez-faire policies of his predecessor. Sadly, despite some best efforts, the CIA and related groups were never able to penetrate the inner circle of Al Queda. And despite optimistic predictions my the US military, it will take a stroke of luck to finally snare bin Laden. The article shows the importance of never underestimating your enemy.