To: Thomas M. who wrote (3470 ) 9/12/2001 3:38:14 AM From: GUSTAVE JAEGER Respond to Re: Perhaps I have been brainwashed by the media, but I humbly disagree. I think this was the work of Bin-Laden, and I think he has just signed his own death certificate. Body of Secrets - Anatomy of the ultra-secret National Security Agency , by James Bamford (page 410):Terrorists also frequently use unencrypted communications, because for encryption the caller and receiver must have compatible systems. Since at least one party is often traveling, carrying encryption equipment can be cumbersome. Body of Secrets, NSA regularly listens to unencrypted calls from suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden, hiding in Afghanistan. Bin Laden uses a portable INMARSAT phone that transmits and receives calls over spacecraft owned by the International Maritime Satellite Organization. This is the same system used by most ships and some people who travel to remote locations, such as oil explorers. According to intelligence officials, Bin Laden is aware that the United States can eavesdrop on his international communications, but he does not seem to care. To impress cleared visitors, NSA analysts occasionally play audiotapes of Bin Laden talking to his mother over an INMARSAT connection.
