Afghan cities may be next U.S. battlefield

WASHINGTON -- U.S. troops could be targeted by al-Qaida fighters hiding among civilians in Afghan cities, the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee said Sunday.

Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., said the battles "probably will be smaller in scale, but could be even bloodier in terms of casualties," than the fighting in recent weeks in the Shah-e-Kot valley.

"It's going to be urban warfare in small settings," Graham, the committee chairman, said on CNN's Late Edition. He said three or four Taliban or al-Qaida fighters could hide among civilians in a marketplace, waiting to attack Americans.

Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, the panel's top Republican, said the potential for urban fighting is a concern, but U.S. forces are prepared.

"They're very much aware of this," he said. "They know this war is not over with over there, although we're doing very well."

Senate considers subpoenaing Ridge

WASHINGTON -- The Senate is considering subpoenaing homeland security chief Tom Ridge to compel his testimony about President Bush's domestic security spending request, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle said Sunday.

Daschle said he would like the White House to drop its opposition to Ridge's appearance. A Bush spokesman expressed hope for a "satisfactory resolution" that would get lawmakers the necessary information.

"We've got to find a way to break the impasse. He's got to work with us. There is just too much at stake," said Daschle, D-S.D. "Coercion is not ever my first choice."

The administration wants spending on domestic security to double next year to $38-billion.

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