It is obvious from opening arguments that the case against Tahawwur Rana and his defense will hinge on the Chicago businessman's boyhood friend and convicted drug dealer David Headley.
Headley already has pleaded guilty to scouting the targets for the deadly attacks on Mumbai, India, and a planned attack on a Danish newspaper. He is cooperating with the government and may talk about allegations that the government of Pakistan knew, or possibly even helped plan, the attack.
"Rana not only knew what Headley was doing, but he approved it and helped him," prosecutor Sarah Streicher told the jury Monday.
The government alleges that Rana let Headley use his business as a cover for his activities in India and Denmark. But the defense claims Rana was indebted to Headley because of a $100,000 business loan.
"David Headley is a master manipulator who made a fool of Dr. Rana," said defense attorney Charles Smith.
Rana has pleaded not guilty.
