Bush's tight ship springs convenient leaks

http://gaelicstarover.blogspot.com/2005/07/our-leaky-government.html

...from the Press & Sun Bulletin (Binghamton, NY):

"Americans felt the shockwave of the July 7 and 21 attacks on Britain's subway and bus systems. What's interesting about the attacks in London is that they appear to be linked to an ethnic Pakistani al-Qaida wing. And on that topic, enter Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan, stage right.

In March 2004, the British conducted a massive terror investigation that netted eight citizens of Pakistani heritage. Months later on July 13, the British captured Khan -- a Pakistani computer wiz and communications chief for al-Qaida -- during a joint operation in Pakistan. On his computer was 3-year-old information about financial institutions in New York and Washington. Khan 'flipped' and began providing Britain and Pakistan with information on an al-Qaida cell in Britain.

Meanwhile, back in the States, the Democratic National Convention was in full swing. Despite swift-boated character attacks against him, John Kerry was gaining momentum in the polls. Geez, sounds like a good time for a Homeland Security alert.

On Sunday, Aug. 1, the Bush administration pulled a 'Novak' again. Secretary Tom Ridge issued an orange alert for financial institutions in New York and Washington based on the old information in Khan's computer.

There is some discrepancy on how Khan's identity was disclosed -- Pakistan insists it came from U.S. sources and it's interesting to note it never announced his initial capture. But there he was Aug. 2 in the New York Times.

The British had to make a premature swoop on the cell suspects the next day. Five of the 13 caught had to be let go. Brits were further infuriated when the U.S. government named some of the suspects caught. Some thought their road might lead to bin Laden.

Was Ridge's alert a way to steal thunder from Kerry's campaign? If so, was it worth the cost? Unfortunately, that cost might include British lives. ABC News reported there may be a link between one of the July 7 bombers, Mohammed Sidique Khan, and the cell Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan was tracking for the Brits.

Whose side is our leaky government on, anyway?"

That's a good question. The American, British and Pakistani people deserve to know!