Clark outlines plan for Bin Laden hunt [View All]

Clark Outlines Plan for Bin Laden Hunt
Clark's Plan for Capturing Bin Laden Involves Using Saudi Commandos Alongside U.S. Troops

The Associated Press

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20031112_1544.html

HANOVER, N.H.
Nov. 12 — Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark said Wednesday he would ask Saudi Arabia to deploy commandos alongside U.S. troops in the hunt for Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders.

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"It's been a world-class bait-and-switch," he said. "But diverting our attention won't make the problem go away."

Second, Clark proposed reassigning some of the intelligence specialists, linguists, and special operations forces now searching Iraq for weapons of mass destruction to the hunt for bin Laden.

"Let's face it: the hunt for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq is largely over," he said. "Let's cut our losses in pursuit of that."

Third, he said the United States needs to repair relations with allies and friends.

Campaigning at a retirement home, Clark passed on an opportunity to criticize Democratic front-runner Howard Dean, who has come under attack from other rivals for his past statements about Medicare.

"I don't care whether 10 years ago Howard Dean supported one position or another on Medicare," Clark said. "Frankly, it's irrelevant, and I wish people wouldn't keep harping on it."

Clark, who said he will begin airing television ads next week, did try to distinguish himself from his rivals, arguing that he alone has displayed proven leadership.

"This is not about public policy pronouncements ... or writing policy papers. .. It's all about leadership with me. I'm not just someone who can talk the talk, I've walked the walk," Clark said.