Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Iraqi Cash Is Funding Al Qaeda

Bin Laden search finds money trail leading from various sources

By Max Brallier,  Newser User

Posted May 21, 2007 4:52 AM CDT

(Newser) – A stepped-up CIA effort to hunt down Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan hasn't succeeded in locating the  terrorist, the LA Times reports, but it has uncovered evidence that cash is being funneled from Iraq to keep Al Qaeda alive and well. "Iraq is a big moneymaker for them,"  a senior U.S. counter-terrorism official told the Times.

Shattered financially after the war in Afghanistan, al-Qaeda is thought to be depending on Iraqi fundraising  to rebuild and reassert control over its far-flung network. The cash comes from a variety of sources in Iraq, including donations, kidnapping, car theft, and running protection schemes. 

Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zahiri
Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zahiri   (Getty Images)
In this April 1998 file photo, Osama bin Laden is seen in Afghanistan.
In this April 1998 file photo, Osama bin Laden is seen in Afghanistan.   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Bush Details Bin Laden Plot

US Kills al-Qaeda in Iraq's No. 2

European Militants Find Training in Pakistan

Ex-CIA Chief Blasts Cheney

Bin Laden Told Kids: Move to US or Europe


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne