See here and here for more. The bottom line?
U.S. intelligence analysts have concluded al-Qaida has rebuilt its operating capability to a level not seen since just before the 2001 terrorist attacks, The Associated Press has learned.
That's right, nearly 6 years after 9/11, Al Qaeda is back to full strength and very possibly plotting another attack on America. Is that Bush and the Republicans' fault? Not entirely, but they've been in charge most of that time, so they have to take at least some of the blame. I mean, just imagine what Republicans would be saying right now if, after 6 years of a Democratic Presidency, al Qaeda was stronger than ever? The outrage would be deafening...I can just hear Rush and Bill O'LIElly bloviating now.
So, what exactly have Bush, Cheney and the rest of the Republicans in Washington done the past 6 years? For starters, they've foolishly squandered our nation's resources and our precious soldiers' lives in Iraq. They've consistently taken their eye off the main ball, which is Al Qaeda. They've looked the other way with regard to our "allies" like Pakistan, where Bin Laden (amd other top Taliban and Al Qaeda leaders) almost certainly is hiding. They've done almost nothing to address the Arab-Israeli conflict, our "addiction" to foreign oil, Saudi support for fundamentalist "madrasas," or any other factors that have been widely cited as exacerbating the terrorism threat.
Yes, that's what Republican rule is all about - NOT getting things done. The result? Read it and weep:
Counterterrorism analysts produced the document, titled "Al-Qaida better positioned to strike the West." The document pays special heed to the terror group's safe haven in Pakistan and makes a range of observations about the threat posed to the United States and its allies, officials said.Al-Qaida is "considerably operationally stronger than a year ago" and has "regrouped to an extent not seen since 2001," the official said, paraphrasing the report's conclusions. "They are showing greater and greater ability to plan attacks in Europe and the United States."
Heckuva job, Bush and Company!
Attention all Democratic leaders! REPEAT THIS PHRASE:
"6 Years of Republican Rule have resulted in Al Qaeda returning back to Pre-9/11 Strength"
It still amazes me that our guys can't speak in unison with simple talking points when they go on the Sunday talk shows. I just saw a poll the other day that showed a majority of American's STILL trust Republicans more than Democrats to fight terrorism. So obviously our guys need to do a much better job hammering home the catch phrases like they did in 06 with the "rubber stamp" Congress pitch. But they ESPECIALLY need to do this when talking about terrorism in order to tarnish the Republican brand and advantage on that issue!