In a First, U.S. Acknowledges Drones Killing 4 Americans

[geek tragedy]

54. You're free to stick your head in the sand

and pretend there's no factual basis for AAA's participation in terrorist attacks.

But, the rest of us tend to take notice of the world around us, and do not insist that every fact from the existence of Al Qaeda to the shape of the earth be proven in a jury trial first.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/02/28/uk.terror.verdict/index.html

A key part of the prosecution case was a series of heavily encrypted messages between al-Awlaki and Karim, in which al-Awlaki pressed for information about Karim's job and his knowledge of airport security.

"I pray that Allah may grant us a breakthrough through you ... can you please specify your role in the airline industry, how much access do you have to airports, what information do you have on the limitations and cracks in present airport security systems?"

Karim replied: "The kuffar (a derogatory term for non-Muslims) are planning to install full body scanners across UK airports. This allows them to see things under clothes."

But he warned al-Awlaki to be realistic: "You are probably hoping that I work at the airport, but the fact is I don't. I personally know two brothers, one who works in baggage handling at Heathrow and another who works in airport security. Both are good practising brothers and sympathize towards the cause of the mujahedeen."

Replying, al-Awlaki got straight to the point:

"Our highest priority is the U.S. Anything there, even on a smaller scale compared to what we may do in the UK, would be our choice. So the question is: with the people you have is it possible to get a package or person with a package on board a flight heading to the U.S.?"

yes, yes, I know what you'll say--that lawfully introduced and authenticated evidence is fake because yada yada yada freedom.