Justice Department Posts Al-Qaida Manual

In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Americans were shocked to learn that many of the hijackers lived quiet lives in neighborhoods across the country for a year or more, traveling, socializing and blending into the everyday rhythm of life in a country they so obviously despised.

This form of terrorism -- using what has been referred to as "sleeper" agents -- is a new, and worrisome, development.

Also since the attack, Americans have learned about how international terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida operate, using "cells," or groups of people, who operate without knowledge of what other cells are doing.

But in the investigation since the September attacks, authorities in both the United States and England have found training documents -- reference manuals of sorts -- which teach ground-level al-Qaida members all phases of how to operate.

A complete "Al-Qaida Manual" was uncovered by Manchester Police in England during a raid of a member's home.

The manual has been translated and posted on the U.S. Justice Department Web site, and requires Adobe Acrobat to view.

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