US intel chief: Al Qaeda has found "a secure hideout in Pakistan, from which it is rebuilding its strength"

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

US National Intelligence Director (NID) John Negroponte says that Al Qaeda has found "a secure hideout in Pakistan, from which it is rebuilding its strength." The BBC reports that Mr. Negroponte, who will soon resign as NID chief and become the deputy secretary of state, said Al Qaeda was "strengthening its ties across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe." The strong statement caught Pakistani officials offguard.

[...]

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson, Tasnim Aslam, said the US and the international community have "appreciated" the country's efforts to fight terrorism, and that "the focus must always remain on cooperation instead of questionable criticism."

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0112/p99s01-duts.html

[peezey 0]

The title quote makes it sound like al qaeda is in a hospice home or that rehab Britney just checked herself into for "rest."

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Looks like Negroponte revealed only an open-secret (albeit one that Musharraf DOESN't want to admit--as he would lose the West's backing by which he managed to extend his hold on power by six years).