https://pjmedia.com/andrewmccarthy/2012/08/03/fed-awlaki-story-doesnt-pass-laugh-test/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 02:11:45 -0400<![CDATA[In the early morning hours of October 10, 2002, Anwar al-Awlaki, the notorious al Qaeda operative, was detained by U.S. Customs agents when he arrived at JFK International Airport in New York City after a flight from Saudi Arabia. At the time, he was a prime suspect in the 9/11 attacks and had been placed on terrorist watch-lists. Nevertheless, the Bush Justice Department directed Customs to release him. That decision enabled Awlaki to continue his jihadist campaign against the United States until he was finally killed in Yemen last September, in an American drone attack.]]>Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:01:31 -0400<![CDATA[Andrew C. McCarthy]]>https://pjmedia.com/andrew-c-mccarthy-2/2012/08/03/fed-awlaki-story-doesnt-pass-laugh-test-n123220