Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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July 12, 2007

Bush Says Al-Qaida Weakened, But Still Threat
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=181F575:A6F02AD83191E1609B99925CFFDB22F99574F7DCC14957C0 President spoke
ahead of administration meeting Thursday, to discuss new report that
says al-Qaida has rebuilt its capabilities to level not seen since
2001





President Bush talks to reporters during press conference, 12 Jul
2007President Bush says the al-Qaida terror network has been weakened
but remains a threat to the United States and others.

Mr. Bush was speaking to reporters ahead of an administration meeting
Thursday, to discuss a new report that says al-Qaida has rebuilt its
capabilities to a level not seen since 2001.

Officials say the report by the National Counterterrorism Center says
al-Qaida has established safe haven in Pakistan since a peace deal was
reached between the Pakistani government and tribal leaders in
Pakistan's northwest.

The report says the deal effectively removed the Pakistani government
presence from that area and allowed terrorists to infiltrate.

The head of the CIA's analysis directorate, John Kringen, told a
congressional committee Wednesday that al-Qaida seems "fairly well
settled" in the ungoverned areas of Pakistan. He said there has been
more training, an increase in the flow of money and a rise in
communications.

U.S. officials say there is no credible, specific intelligence about
any imminent terrorist threat against the United States.







Michael Chertoff Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told CNN
television Thursday, that the government is concerned about al-Qaida's
influence widening into northern Africa and South Asia. He also said
there is concern about so-called "homegrown" terrorists in Europe
entering the United States.

Chertoff also warned against complacency, saying Americans should be
on heightened alert after recent terrorism episodes in Britain. Late
last month, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London and a
flaming vehicle was rammed into an airport terminal in Glasgow,
Scotland.






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