CIA Chief: Qaeda Haven A Danger to U.S.

WASHINGTON — The situation in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan where Al Qaeda has established a safe haven presents a "clear and present danger" to the West, the CIA director said yesterday.

Michael Hayden cited the belief by intelligence agencies that Osama bin Laden is hiding there in arguing that America has an interest in targeting the region. If there were another attack against Americans, he said, it would most certainly originate from there.

"It's very clear to us that Al Qaeda has been able for the past 18 months or so to establish a safe haven along the Afghan-Pakistan border area that they have not enjoyed before, and that they're bringing in operatives into the region for training," he said.