A note to all: This is my first-ever TL, so please be nice. If you see anything wrong, tell me. If you all don't like this, I'll stop.
4 February 1999
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Al-Qaeda leaders sat in a circle, discussing the "Planes Operation", or "Operation Big Wedding". Khalid Sheikh Mohammed had come up with a daring plot to strike inside America, the leader of the infidel world and a symbol of infidel and anti-Islamic culture.
Osama bin Laden had been impressed with Mohammed's elaborate attack plan, and was certain that it could work. He was also certain that unlike the other attacks against America so far, this one would kill thousands and plunge the country into fear.
He was also convinced that Mohammed's plan was not the right way to attack America. And that was final.
"Brothers", he began, "I have summoned you here to tell you that as of now, the 'Planes Operation' has been suspended".
"What"? Mohammed, who had previously been looking proud and smug, was visibly stunned. "Brother, why..." he began to protest.
Bin Laden simply put up a hand to cut him off. Because brother Zawahiri has an idea, that if formed into a detailed plan and properly executed, could paralyze America. It will take many years, perhaps a decade, and it will cost us many of our most loyal and capable warriors, but I assure you that if it is successful, America will not just be hurt, its economy will be crippled.
Bin Laden proceeded to give each man a list of targets, together with their accompanying significance, and how they could be taken out. Mohammed was pleased to see that it still involved a plane hijacking.
"My brother", Mohammed cautiously remarked, my plan is risky as is". This would require a much more complex operation, which will have to be carefully planned and prepared over a course of many years, with a heavy risk of detection".
"But it isn't impossible", countered Ayman al-Zawahiri. "And we are working on ways to render the Americans, the so-called West, and the Zionists blind to the operation. Allah willing we will have detailed plan by two months' time, and will carry out the operation by 2009."
"This plan will require full cooperation and even support from our Afghan hosts", said Bin Laden. "I have informed brother Omar[1] of our decision; he and his government agree, and have pledged their support for this operation.
Khalid was disappointed that his "Planes Operation" had failed, but knew that this operation, if carried out properly, would be far deadlier. He, along with everyone in the room, understood that this would bring far more results than "Operation Big Wedding". Rather than destroying two office towers and the symbols of the US government and military, this operation would cripple the Americans, and its effects would last for years.
[1]Mohammed Omar, founder and leader of the Taliban.