The occupation of Iraq has helped al-Qaeda recruit more members, according to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. The influential group’s annual report says the network has reconstituted itself after losing its Afghan base. It adds that Osama Bin Laden’s followers have set their sights on attacking the US and its close allies. They would ideally like future operations to make use of weapons of mass destruction, it reports. The institute quotes conservative intelligence estimates as saying that the group has 18,000 potential operatives and is present in more than 60 countries. Recent attacks in Spain, Turkey and Saudi Arabia show its renewed strength, it says. The report finds the network’s finances are in good order. Full Story
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