Facebook Twitter Email
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2001

A group of Islamic clerics -- reported to be in the hundreds -- have begun meeting in Kabul, Afghanistan, today to decide on the fate of Osama bin Laden, identified as the prime suspect in the terrorist attacks on the United States.

The meeting was set to begin yesterday but had been delayed. The clerics might decide to surrender bin Laden to the U.S.

But Taliban leaders say they will not surrender bin Laden. The move draws them closer into conflict with the United States.

Fearing attacks, thousands of Afghans are reported to be fleeing cities to head to Pakistan, who has closed its borders to refugees. Taliban leaders have told citizens to prepare for a "holy war."

The Pentagon could being sending troops overseas within weeks as part of a "campaign" -- and not a "crusade" -- against terrorism.

Get the Story:
Clerics Open Meeting on Bin Laden (The Washington Post 9/19)
White House apologizes for using 'crusade' to describe war on terrorism (AP 9/18)

Related Stories:
Bush condemns as Muslim attacks rise (9/18)
Domenici says spend, spend, spend (9/18)
Islamic clerics to decide on bin Laden (9/18)
Indian Country reaches out to aid victims (9/17)
McCaleb walks own trail of tears (9/14)
Osama bin Laden prime suspect (9/14)
Bush decries 'acts of war' (9/13)
'Quiet' at Interior after attacks (9/12)
World Trade Center, Pentagon attacked (9/11)