Bush regrets not bringing bin Laden to justice

Dubai, Dec 15 (PTI) Though he has averted a repeat of the
9/11 in the US, President George W Bush regrets that he could
not bring terror mastermind Osama bin Laden to justice during
his tenure.

"I wish we had brought Osama bin Laden to justice, sure.
But he's not leading a lot of parades these days," Bush said
in an interview to ABC News when asked whether he imagined
ending his presidency next month without capturing bin Laden.

However, Bush, now on his farewell visit to Iraq and
Afghanistan, noted that the US forces have inflicted "great
damage" on al Qaeda's infrastructure in countries like
Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We have done great damage to al-Qaeda. We have denied
them safe havens, a safe haven in Iraq. We are pursuing them
in Pakistan. We have got them on the run. We're keeping the
pressure on them full time," he said.

Bush, who will bow out of office on January 20 after
two consecutive four-year term, said one of the most important
parts of his job because of 9/11 was to defend the security of
the American people.

"There have been no attacks since I have been
president, since 9/11," he noted. PTI