al-Qaida Works to Plant US Operatives

This is an image from video made available by IntelCenter, on Wednesday July 11, 2007, showing Ayman al-Zawahri, Osama bin Laden's deputy. Hours after commandos cleared the warren-like Red Mosque complex of rebel fighters, ending a fierce eight-day siege and street battles that left more than 100 dead, deputy al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri called for Pakistani Muslims to wage holy war against the government of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf in retaliation for the assault on the mosque. IntelCenter is a private contractor working for intelligence agencies. (AP Photo/via IntelCenter) (AP)

"Europe could become a platform for an attack against this country," Chertoff told CNN, although he and others continue to say they know of no specific, credible information pointing to an attack here.

National security officials are frustrated by an agreement last year between Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and tribal leaders in western Pakistan, which gave tribes near the Afghan border greater autonomy and has led to increased al-Qaida activity in the region.

Nevertheless, Bush administration officials still view Musharraf as a partner.

Speaking to a congressional hearing, Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said that Pakistan under Musharraf has captured more al-Qaida operatives than any other country and that several major Taliban leaders were captured or killed this year.

"There is a considerable al-Qaida presence at the border, but they are under pressure," Boucher told a House national security subcommittee.

Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., was skeptical, saying al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and other terrorist leaders apparently feel safe there. "Is this a Motel 6 for terrorists?" he asked.

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Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Lara Jakes Jordan and Barry Schweid contributed to this report.