ASADABAD, AFGHANISTAN—Fears of possible terrorist attacks have led organizers

of the Sept. 27-30 al-Qaeda International Convention to take unprecedented security

measures, sources reported Monday.

"There are concerns about a possible

Above: Guards secure what will be the main
entrance to the al-Qaeda International
Convention.
attack, and we are responding by
heightening security," al-Qaeda
chairman and convention organizer
Khalil al-Hamada said. "This year's
convention will see longer lines and
more comprehensive searches, and
prospective martyrs will have difficulty
gaining a private audience with Ayman
al-Zawahiri. But, as freedom-haters who
have always stood for the disruption and
overthrow of the West, we will not
allow terror to blunt our resolve or
dictate our message."

With Afghanistan's first nationwide elections slated for Oct. 9 and the U.S. general
election three weeks later, the convention falls during a crucial time for al-Qaeda.

"More than 3,000 people are slated to slip across the border to attend," al-Hamada said.
"While delegates were selected from within the ranks of known violent extremists, there
is no such thing as 100 percent security, unfortunately. In this day and age, organizers of
any high-profile event cannot be too careful."

The party plans to move weapons stockpiles to undisclosed locations, and to post armed
security guards at known tunnel entrances. Only those carts operated by officials with
permits will be admitted below ground, and the cavities of any animals brought to the
convention will be searched. Additionally, attendees will be required to provide papers
confirming their identities, and their names will be checked against a list of known al-
Qaeda operatives.

"We will do everything we can to cut down on the amount of time spent in lines, but
some waiting is to be expected," al-Hamada said. "I urge all attendees to be patient with
the delays. Please, I beg you, control your rage. Please."
Metal detectors will be set up in major entryways throughout the convention, and any
firearms will be confiscated, inspected by security officers, and returned to their owners,
who will be forced to swear that they will only fire their guns in celebration. Larger
explosive devices will be confiscated and returned before the convention's closing
ceremonies. To this end, Afghanistan's sole surviving bomb-sniffing dog will be called
back into service.

Al-Qaeda members said they first recognized the threat of terrorist attacks in June, while
discussing the possibility of bombing the Fleet Center in Boston. The organization's
requests for support at its own convention were denied by both the Afghan military and
local police, however, forcing al-Qaeda to develop its own security plan.

"We'll be employing some of the best and newest technology available," al-Hamada said.
"This includes hundreds of top-of-the-line closed-circuit cameras, Lifeguard handheld
metal detectors, and armored plates to line VIP sections of the caves. We've also
kidnapped some of the top minds in security and counter-terrorism, and our clerics are
currently grilling them for tips."
Added al-Hamada: "In addition, we will not allow women at the convention, as they are
deceivers who cannot be trusted."

Pakistani delegate Amir Jassem said he was "disappointed and

embarrassed" by the security measures.

"It's a sad day when an overzealous madman with a bomb

strapped to himself can threaten our divinely inspired wave of
destruction," Jassem said, idly polishing a rifle. "How in the
world did we get to this point?"

Expected attendee Hassan Malouri, 23, echoed Jassem's

disappointment.

"It's a shame," said Malouri, who purchased a new AK-47 and

Above: A delegate
bandolier of grenades for what he hopes will be his last
from Mosul triggers a
convention. "I only wish to offer up my life to the death of Bush
metal detector.
and the destruction of America for the greater glory of Allah. But
now, with the world as it is, I'm afraid that other bloodthirsty religious fanatics may take
that away from me."

At least one al-Qaeda member applauded the increased security measures.

"The last thing our organization needs is to be subject to the whims of a crazy man with a
gun," said Alak al-Alousi, a delegate from Britain. "Besides the loss of life, such an attack
would spread doubt among our members and make us look vulnerable. The long-term
cost is incalculable."

Despite fears, al-Hamada said that the convention "will and must go on."

"Fear of the unknown is the terrorist's best weapon," al-Hamada said. "If al-Qaeda does
not stand firm in our resolve, then the terrorists will have already won."

The al-Qaeda International Convention will open Friday with a keynote speech from Zell
Miller, the Democratic senator from Georgia who raised hackles by throwing his support
behind al-Qaeda during this year's election.