Saturday, December 29, 2007

Al-Qaeda in Iraq 75% destroyed say US


Osama bin Laden returns in 'new tape'

Al Qaeda in Iraq has been virtually destroyed according to Iraqi authorities and the US Military. In statements released today it is claimed that up to 75% of the insurgent groups loyal to Osama bin Laden have been annihilated [BBC]. The news came on the day that a message purported to be Osama bin Laden emerged on an internet site connected to the terrorist organisation. Most of the message dealt with Iraq and contains much of the usual rhetoric. Phrases such as “Blood for blood” and “destruction for destruction” are peppered throughout the 56 minute recording [CNN]. But unusually, he sent a message to Israel saying, "We intend to liberate Palestine, the whole of Palestine from the (Jordan) river to the sea”. Ayman al Zawahiri, al-Qaeda’s no.2, has previously mentioned the Palestinian struggle in previous statements, but it is the first time bin Laden has made mention of the plight of the Palestinian people.

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