A year before the Bush presidency began, the Clinton administration was deeply concerned that al-Qaida sleeper cells existed in North America and considered taking swift action in response, according to newly released testimony.

"There were two simultaneous plots, one in Jordan and one in the United States, and they both involved American citizens," Bush administration critic Richard Clarke testified in June 2002 before a congressional inquiry into the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The plots were of high enough interest that Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, the former chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, requested a briefing.

"The conclusion was that we should ... beef up the counterterrorism task force around the country," said Clarke, whose testimony about the briefing of Shelby in February 2000 was partially blacked out because of national security concerns.

Posted by: Jonathan Singer / 6:41 PM | Basie! Home