[Ramrod]

This is interesting."

In the years before the 11 September terrorist attacks the CIA carried out a secret but ultimately unsuccessful manhunt for bin Laden," writes Mr Coll. "It was based at first on a band of Afghan tribal agents and later expanded to include other agents and allies, especially the legendary guerrilla leader Ahmed Shad Massoud.

"But the search became mired in mutual frustrations, near misses and increasingly bitter policy disputes in Washington between the Clinton White House and the CIA."

One plan to snatch bin Laden from a farm where he was known to spend time with one of his wives was abandoned because of fears innocent by-standers could be killed or injured during the operation.