Whatever the suspicions about Mr Derwish, Mr bin al-Shibh is known to be a big fish.

ECONOMIST: A breakthrough

Mr bin al-Shibh's legal status is still a matter of debate within the administration.

ECONOMIST: A breakthrough

Mr Bin al-Shibh had featured prominently in an updated most-wanted list.

ECONOMIST: A breakthrough

However, officials in Berlin said on September 16th that they might not provide evidence to American authorities because the charges against Mr bin al-Shibh could result in the death penalty to which Germany, like other European Union countries, is opposed.

ECONOMIST: A breakthrough