Terror Plot Shows U.S. Must Not Leave Afghanistan Early, Says Ex-White House Adviser

A recently discovered terror plot targeting mostly Western European nations demonstrates why the U.S. must keep troops in Afghanistan, according to an expert on that region.

In an interview with me today, Lisa Curtis, a senior research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, whose resume includes stints at the State Department and the White House, said the plot indicates that U.S. forces must continue to apply pressure on the generally lawless area along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

“[The plot] shows that Pakistan’s tribal areas remain the most dangerous terrorist safe-haven in the world today,” Curtis said. “It demonstrates why it is so critical that we do remain in this part of the world until the situation is stable.”

U.S. and European officials announced last week that they possessed “credible but non-specific” information about a terrorist plan to conduct ‘commando’-style attacks on targets in both Europe and possibly, the United States. Reports then surfaced that some of the suspects involved may have been German citizens that received training from terrorist organizations in Pakistan.

Sources also believed that al-Qaeda was involved with planning the attacks, and that the group’s leader, 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, may have personally given executing orders.

Though the State Department on Monday issued an alert for Americans living or traveling in Europe, U.S. officials made it clear today that the U.S. was not a direct target of the plot. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that the threat “isn’t related to the United States,” adding that President Barack Obama was briefed about the plot while on a cabinet retreat at Camp David over the weekend.

Curtis pointed to recent drone missile strikes carried out by the CIA inside of Pakistan as evidence that the U.S. may have severely disrupted the plot.

“U.S. intelligence agencies seem to be on top of this,” she said, adding that “it looks like Pakistan is cooperating with this particular plot, too.”

New Osama Tape Shows Desperation, Says Middle Eastern Affairs Expert

By Monique Cala University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

James Phillips, a senior research fellow with a focus on Middle Eastern affairs at the Heritage Foundation, says that the recent tape allegedly featuring Osama Bin Laden taking credit for the failed Christmas eve bombing of a commercial airliner shows desperation from the terrorist leader.

"He was so desperate to get his name back in circulation he would attach his name to this failed situation," said Phillips told Talk Radio News.

"One interesting aspect of the latest Bin Laden tape is that it was entitled 'Osama to Obama,'" Phillips added. "Osama wants to be seen the equal of a U.S. President."

Although Phillips contends that Bin Laden may be appearing weaker, he does not believe that should give the U.S. an excuse to abandon their search.

"The catching or killing of Bin Laden would be an important signal that the United States will not rest until it's brought to justice those who indiscriminately murder American citizens," said Phillips.

Phillips discussed the authenticity of the audio tape saying that to his knowledge none thus far have been fake. He does think that it is important to recognize the fact that Bin Laden only sends audio and not video, as to not give any clue away to where he might be or of his appearance.

Detainee stays in prison no matter the verdict

Salim Hamdan, the defendant at the first military commission since World War II, would still be considered an enemy combatant, subject to detention, regardless of the outcome of his trail. A verdict was expected today out of Guantanamo Bay prison in the case against Hamdan, the former driver and alleged body guard of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. "Even if he were acquitted of the charges that are before him he would still be considered an enemy combatant...and still a danger and would likely still be detained for some period of time thereafter," said Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell. Morrell explained that Hamdan, if acquitted, can go to a review board, which judges suitability for release or transfer. Also if he is not found guilty, Hamdan may also have the opportunity to challenge his status as an enemy combatant in court.

Morrell said that the Defense Department was pleased that the commission was taking place. "We think that you've seen a fair and transparent process," he said. 'It was a good first effort...we hope it is the beginning of at least 20 additional trials that will hopefully take place sooner than later down there.

Morrell also addressed recent comments by the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates that the DoD is working toward facilitating more U.S. troops in Afghanistan Morrell emphasized that the situation in Afghanistan is not urgent and that despite the commanders' request for more ground forces, troop levels in Iraq are not directly tied to a force increase in Afghanistan. "I know much has been made of the correlation between forces coming down in Iraq and going up in Afghanistan and while that certainly would seem to be the most natural transaction to take place, the truth is we're 2.5 nearly million strong around the world, we have the means to draw forces elsewhere. Whether that be through reserves the [National] Guard or drawing down from other places around the world where we have commitments. "

Kerry: US played into bin Laden’s hands

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) says it is clear that invading Iraq was a grave mistake, diverting resources in the fight against al-Qaeda and, by failing to differentiate between a secular dictator and religious extremists, causing the United States to play into Osama bin Laden’s hands. (0:29)