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Taliban Propose Bin Laden Trial in Neutral Country; Bush Rejects Offer
Monday, October 15, 2001
By Misbah Abdulbaqi / Islam Online

Bush was taking part in National Security Council meetings that discussed early planning of a successor to the Taliban and dealt with issues such as creating a coalition government, economic reconstruction and security.

JALALABAD, Afghanistan -- Islam Online
The ruling Taliban said Sunday they might be willing to extradite Osama bin Laden to stand trial in a neutral country outside the U.S. or Taliban influence. But U.S. President George W. Bush rejected their offer and said there would be no negotiations with the Taliban.

Maulana Abdul Kabir, governor of Jalalabad, told a group of visiting international journalists that the United States must first provide concrete evidence of bin Laden's involvement in last month's attacks in New York and Washington.

"If proof is provided, a third country could be chosen, which is neither under the influence of the United States, nor the Taliban," Kabir said.

It was the first time the Taliban had opened the door to the possibility of bin Laden being tried by a non-Islamic court. In the past, the Taliban had insisted that bin Laden could only be tried in Afghanistan or "in an Islamic way" elsewhere.
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“Try Osama bin Laden in -- a neutral country...? Hmm-m... Hey, I got one! How about Israel?” -- Jay Leno.

Dan