'Get bin Laden before pursuing Saddam' - Clinton

Former US President Bill Clinton has urged the Bush administration to finish the job with Osama bin Laden before taking on Iraq.

"Saddam Hussein didn’t kill 3,100 people on September 11," he said. "Osama bin Laden did, and as far as we know he’s still alive."

Mr Clinton, speaking yesterday at a political fund-raiser in Santa Ana, California, said he supported President George W Bush’s efforts in Afghanistan, including military actions and support of the Afghan government.

"I also believe we might do more good for American security in the short run at far less cost by beefing up our efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan and elsewhere to flesh out the entire network," Mr Clinton said.