Since about 1998, the CIA has been attempting to capture or assassinate Osama bin Laden, according to a report in The New York Times Sunday.
While an executive order against assassinations has been on the books for about 25 years, lawyers for former President Clinton determined bin Laden's actions had been acts of war, did not violate the ban and did not require the ban's elimination.
Reports from President Bush's administration stated that the hunt for bin Laden has elevated to levels previously deemed too 'risky' or 'unworkable' to succeed, as bin Laden's dangerous potential has been realized.
Attorney General John Ashcroft told CNN he believes there are still terrorists operating within the United States since the Sept. 11 attacks.
As the U.S. hunt for bin Laden and his subordinates escalates, Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, Abdul Salam Zaeef, said the Taliban have been aware of bin Laden's location and actions for the last two years.
'Any action that he makes has to go through the knowledge of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,' Zaeef said.
Meanwhile, Rev. Jesse Jackson said he has no plans to follow up on a Taliban request to mediate.
