IP: New Looks at a Clumsy Conspiracy

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

By Amy Goldstein

Washington Post Staff Writer

Sunday, September 30, 2001; Page A01

The 19 hijackers who carried out the worst act of terror ever to occur on 
U.S. soil worked with little outside help as a single, integrated group 
composed of identifiable leaders and shadowy foot soldiers who prepared for 
their final day in a tight choreography over 18 months.
An examination of public records and dozens of interviews shatters the 
image of the conspiracy that coalesced immediately after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Based on early, flawed information from federal investigators, initial 
accounts depicted an operation that was carried out by four 
compartmentalized cells of terrorists. And because investigations and 
neighbors were confused by similar or falsified Arabic names, reports 
emerged that the cells included as many as 10 pilots, who -- with wives and 
children -- had blended seamlessly into suburban America.

In fact, it now seems clear that only a single hijacker aboard each of the 
four commandeered aircraft knew how to fly a plane. Just two of the other 
hijackers -- both linked to terrorist Osama bin Laden -- had briefly taken 
flight lessons.

<snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A46892-2001Sep29.html



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