U.S. study draws portrait of Iraq bombers

[Gunit Hussein Sangh]

BAGHDAD (AP) — The suicide bombers who have killed 10,000 people in Iraq, including hundreds of American troops, usually are alienated young men from large families who are desperate to stand out from the crowd and make their mark, according to a U.S. military study.

As long suspected, most come from outside Iraq. Saudi Arabia, home of most of the 9/11 hijackers, is the single largest source. And the pipeline is continually replenished by al-Qaeda in Iraq's recruiters.

The study, obtained by the Associated Press, profiles the suicide bombers and their support system based in part on interrogations of 48 foreign fighters who were captured or surrendered. The U.S. command is trying to understand the system, including al-Qaeda in Iraq's recruiting, training and transportation network, so it can be disrupted before the bombers strike.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2008-03-15-iraq-study_N.htm?csp=34

Maybe we should invade Saudia Arabia 

[wow]

Did someone mention "Invade France"?

First 9/11 conviction in U.S.

Moussaoui, 37, a Frenchman of Moroccan heritage, is the first person convicted in the United States for his role in the attacks. Nearly 3,000 people died when hijacked passenger jets crashed into the World Trade Center, Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field.

Although he was behind bars on September 11, Moussaoui pleaded guilty last year to terrorism conspiracy.

From the White House, President Bush said the verdict "represents the end of this case but not an end to the fight against terror."

Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty said the trial gave voice to 9/11's victims.

"At times, this has been a maddening experience," he added. "The testimony of the defendant was deeply offensive, but through it all the victims have triumphed over the terrorist rants." (Audio slideshow: Listen to the reaction to the verdict)

He said he accepted the jury's verdict.

The purpose of the eight-week trial was solely to determine Moussaoui's punishment. Jurors first found that Moussaoui's lies to federal investigators a month before the attacks furthered al Qaeda's plot and directly resulted in at least some 9/11 deaths, making him eligible for execution. (Full story)

They then weighed factors such as the heinousness of the crime and its impact on the victims' families against Moussaoui's background and mental health.

Three jurors decided Moussaoui had only limited knowledge of the 9/11 plot and three described his role in the attacks as minor. A majority of the jurors found Moussaoui endured a brutal childhood.