Following are excerpts
from an interview with Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal, former
ambassador to the US and head of the Saudi intelligence agency until
shortly before 9/11. The interview
aired on Al-Arabiya TV on September 9, 2011.
Interviewer: From
your expertise in security matters, would you say that the world has
become a safer place after the killing of Bin Laden?
Prince Turki Al-Faisal:
Without a doubt. I was one of those who called to pursue Bin Laden,
and to arrest him or to get rid of him, in any way possible, even before
9/11.
[…]
Interviewer: It
sounds as if you are not taking seriously the statements by Al-Zawahiri,
Bin Laden's successor, who made threats about another 9/11.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal:
Nobody can dismiss any threat of an attack issued by any terrorist.
I cannot presume to say that terrorism has come to an end with the death
of Bin Laden. Terrorism is here to stay. Terrorism is eternal. It has
been so ever since Cain killed Abel. Human beings have a drive to perpetrate
crimes. Therefore, Bin Laden's death will not end terrorism.
[…]
What the Americans did
following 9/11 – ousting the Taliban in Afghanistan, for instance
– was justified, because the 9/11 attack on New York not only came
from Afghanistan, but was orchestrated by someone who had found refuge
in Afghanistan.
[…]
Interviewer:
I would like to ask you whether you ever had even the slightest doubt
about the American narrative of 9/11 and Bin Laden's involvement in
the events.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal:
Never. There is a lot of evidence to back it up.
[…]