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'Two Decades Is Not Nothing,' Rumsfeld Says of Lindh Deal
Tuesday, July 16, 2002
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

... Lindh "was a relatively low-level person in the al Qaeda, or Taliban, depending on what one wishes to say."

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
The American people will eventually see John Walker Lindh's deal with federal prosecutors as an appropriate outcome, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here July 15.

Rumsfeld discussed the Lindh case with CNBC television reporter Brian Williams. As part of his plea bargain with federal prosecutors signed early that day, Lindh, 21, agreed to cooperate with U.S. military officials to combat al Qaeda terrorists in exchange for a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

"Well, I am delighted that he is going to be off the streets for a good, long time," Rumsfeld said of Lindh's deal. "Two decades is not nothing."

The "American Taliban" pleaded guilty to two of 10 charges against him: aiding the Taliban and possessing explosives in the commission of that crime. Had he been convicted of all 10 charges, Lindh could have spent life in prison.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

Dan