I thought diamonds were supposed to be clear? Then why are they so gray?

By Dennis Lormel

There is one thing that Doug and I are clear about concerning this subject. We will continue to agree to disagree on the issue of Al Qaeda�s involvement in the diamond trade. There are a number of factors that contribute to the inconsistency concerning this subject. Doug noted the number of witnesses who provided information to him and others supporting his case. I can point to similar numbers contradicting it. We can go back and forth and make compelling arguments for our respective positions concerning this debate. I don�t argue Al Qaeda�s presence in the region or that certain individuals have Al Qaeda affiliations. My focus was specific to Al Qaeda�s alleged involvement in the diamond trade. Whether or not Al Qaeda�s name was mentioned anywhere is secondary to the diamond issue. Experts in the diamond business have advised that characteristics of the trade argue against the possibility that Al Qaeda could enter the industry or make a great deal of profit from it.

Allegations articulated by Doug and others in various media were placed in a matrix by the FBI. Each was investigated. They were vetted with the CIA, the interagency community and international counterparts. In conjunction with other investigative steps, extensive Al Qaeda detainee interviews were also conducted. The allegations could not be substantiated. In the aftermath of the FBI investigation, the Department of Justice referred this matter to the Southern District of New York (SDNY) for an independent review. An Assistant United States Attorney, SDNY, determined that no further investigation was warranted. Subsequently, the 9/11 Commission assessed the allegations that Al Qaeda used the trade of conflict diamonds to fund itself. The 9/11 Commission reviewed the full scope of the allegations in reaching the conclusion that Al Qaeda did not fund itself through diamonds. With specific respect to diamond trafficking, no other country in the world investigated or presented the United States with evidence that Al Qaeda was involved in conflict diamonds. One final point, in response to an inquiry by Representative Frank Wolf, then National Security Advisor, Condoleezza Rice commented by letter that the interagency community possessed no credible evidence of Al Qaeda�s involvement in diamond trafficking.

Conflict diamonds are an area of vulnerability which clearly warranted investigation. For my part, I am satisfied that the appropriate investigation was conducted. I�m sure Doug does not share that view. If diamonds are supposed to be clear, why were they so gray when it came to Al Qaeda?

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