National Geographic December 2004

December 2004 Searching the stars for new earths

Customer Review: Interesting and Educational!

"On the Trail of Bin Laden" tells of the environment along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border where Bin Laden is reportedly hiding from American forces. Though he has not been seen since Tora Bora, electronic intercepts, statements from captured al Qaeda fighters, and videotapes are persuasive evidence that Bin Laden is actually here.



The author begins by visiting a Tora Bora home where Bin Laden stayed. Bribes to tribal elders helped him flee from the area with large caves. A great wall of mountains, a plethora of illegal weapons (assault rifles, grenade launchers, hashish, and opium are readily available), and 25 million Pashtuns duty-bound to help anyone seeking refuge complicate the search, despite a $25 million reward.



A powerful household might have an antiaircraft gun mounted in the watchtower, a mortar or two, a dozen or so AK-47s, and a stack of RPGs. A tribal council of elders (jirga) provides final judgment on land disputes, vendettas, and sanctuary. Yet, family feuds continue on for decades - with a priority higher than most other issues.
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