Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has opened up about the CIA's decision not to eliminate Osama bin Laden prior to the September 11 attacks, citing fears of potential civilian casualties as a major factor. In a radio interview with John Catsimatidis on WABC's "Cats Roundtable," Clinton reflected on the agency's hesitance, stating that he had authorized attempts to capture bin Laden but was ultimately frustrated by the CIA's last-minute cancellation of a plan that he believed could have succeeded.

Clinton, now 80 years old, expressed his concerns during the interview, saying, "I was scared, and I was mad because we tried to get him before, and the CIA at the last minute killed the plan that I think might well have succeeded." He acknowledged the agency's reasoning, explaining that they were worried about the risk of harming innocent people if the operation went awry. Despite understanding their caution, Clinton lamented the missed opportunity to capture bin Laden, whom he regarded as a significant threat to national security.

The former president recounted the moments following the 9/11 attacks, revealing that he immediately suspected bin Laden's involvement as he watched the second plane strike the Twin Towers. At the time, Clinton was in Australia, while his family was in New York City. He recalled the panic of not being able to reach his daughter, who was among those evacuated from the area. "I immediately said that bin Laden did this," he told Catsimatidis, explaining that he believed only bin Laden or Iran had the capability to execute such an attack, with the latter being unlikely to risk retaliation.

Clinton's reflections come in the wake of ongoing concerns about terrorism and national security. He acknowledged the possibility of future attacks, particularly on New York City, but emphasized that the U.S. is now better prepared to handle such threats. "I think it's entirely possible. I think we have to stay on guard about that," he warned. "We're much better prepared [now] than we were... But you only have to miss once, and then you're screwed."

The former president's comments underscore the complexities of national security decisions and the balancing act between proactive measures and the potential for unintended consequences. Clinton's insights into the CIA's deliberations and his own experiences during one of the darkest days in U.S. history continue to resonate as discussions around terrorism and security evolve in the current landscape.