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Al-Qaeda's New Boss Linked to Pearl's Killing

Saif al-Adel discussed reporter's kidnapping with KSM

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 24, 2011 2:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – The 2002 kidnapping and beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl can be added to new al-Qaeda leader Saif al-Adel's extensive record of murder and mayhem, according to Georgetown University's Pearl Project. Investigators found that the Egyptian discussed the kidnapping with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and decided al-Qaeda should become involved, Reuters reports.

Mohammed—who later confessed to beheading Pearl—"told the FBI that he was pulled into the kidnapping by a high-level leader in al-Qaeda circles, an Egyptian named Saif al-Adel, who told him to make the kidnapping an al-Qaeda operation," the Georgetown report states. Osama bin Laden was angered by Pearl's killing, believing it attracted too much attention to al-Qaeda's network inside Pakistan, according to the report.

This undated image released by the FBI shows Saif al-Adel, the new chief of al-Qaeda.
This undated image released by the FBI shows Saif al-Adel, the new chief of al-Qaeda.   (AP Photo/FBI, File)
Wall Street Journal South Asia bureau chief Daniel Pearl was beheaded after being kidnapped by militants in Karachi.
Wall Street Journal South Asia bureau chief Daniel Pearl was beheaded after being kidnapped by militants in Karachi.   (AP Photo/Wall Street Journal)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Jeffrey-Lebowski
May 25, 2011 2:18 AM CDT
I hope he gets capped by a seal team double tap, predator missile is ok too.
Rammrodd
May 24, 2011 8:38 AM CDT
Bet he likes pornography, too. And wears red pajamas.

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Al-Qaeda Picks Egyptian as Interim Leader


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