Friday, September 14, 2001

Report dated a day before attacks says bin Laden represents a global threat to U.S.
By George Gedda
Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The terrorist organization headed by Saudi exile Osama bin Laden has cells identified or suspected in 34 countries or territories, and represents “a global threat” to the United States, a congressional report says.

“In building this network, bin Laden has assembled a coalition of disparate radical Islamic groups of varying nationalities to work toward common goals — the expulsion of non-Muslim control or influence from Muslim-inhabited lands,” said the report, made available Thursday.

The Congressional Research Service report was dated Monday, the day before the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Secretary of State Colin Powell on Thursday identified bin Laden as a suspect in the attacks.

The assertion that bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda organization has links in dozens of countries is significant, given Powell’s promise to carry out a global war on terrorism.

Once the United States has acted against those responsible for Tuesday’s attacks, Powell said, “We will continue with a global assault on terrorism in general.”

The report, written by Middle East specialist Kenneth Katzman, said bin Laden is estimated to have $300 million in personal financial assets with which he funds a network of 3,000 Islamic militants.

The organization presents a “global threat to U.S. citizens and national security interests,” the report said.