] And the threat posed by bin Laden is also underestimated,
] says Scheuer. "I think our leaders over the last decade
] have done the American people a disservice...continuing
] to characterize Osama bin Laden as a thug, as a
] gangster," he says.
]
] "Until we respect him, sir, we are going to die in
] numbers that are probably unnecessary, yes. He's a very,
] very talented man and a very worthy opponent."

CBS News | CIA Agent Details Terror Threat | November 12, 2004