The deputy leader of Al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, has urged supporters in Iraq to extend their "holy war" to other Middle Eastern countries. In a letter sent to the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq in the past few weeks, Zawahiri claims that it is defeating U.S. forces and urges followers to expand their campaign of terror. He conjures a vision of an Islamic state comprising Lebanon, Palestine and Syria, where Al Qaeda has already gained its first footholds.The goal of an Islamic "greater Syria," first outlined by Zawahiri two years ago, is detailed in the letter amid growing concern about the activities of new groups under Al Qaeda's influence in the countries concerned. Zawahiri's letter was sent to Abu Hamza al-Muhajer, the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq, and intercepted by a Middle Eastern intelligence service.
| But there is no al-Qaeda in Iraq. Rosie O'Donnell said so. |