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Al-Qaeda No. 2: Gaza Raid Is 'Gift From Obama'

Zawahiri mocks him as a potential 'savior'

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 6, 2009 5:50 PM CST

(Newser) – Al-Qaeda's No. 2 leader called the Israeli invasion of Gaza a "gift from Obama" and urged Muslims to take revenge against Israel, CNN reports. In an audio message posted on extremist websites, Ayman al-Zawahiri said that Barack Obama was portrayed as "the savior who will come and change American policy" but that instead he is now "killing your brothers and sisters in Gaza without mercy or even pity."

"My Muslim brothers and mujahedeens in Gaza and all over Palestine, with the help of God we are with you in the battle, we will direct our strikes against the crusader Jewish coalition wherever we can," said Zawahiri. Obama, who said today he was "deeply concerned" about the loss of life in Gaza, had no immediate response.

This video frame grab image from November shows Ayman al-Zawahiri. (AP Photo/IntelCenter)

This file image made from videotape in 2005 shows Al-Qaida's deputy leader, Ayman al-Zawahri. (AP Photo/AP Television News, File)

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Al-Qaeda No. 2: Gaza Raid Is 'Gift From Obama'

Zawahiri mocks him as a potential 'savior'

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Israel • Gaza • Hamas • Israel and Palestinians • Mideast • al-Qaeda • Ayman al-Zawahri

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Al-Qaeda: Help Syria Boot Assad

Al-Zawahri confirms terror group seeking to turn tide in Syrian uprising

US Suspects al-Qaeda Behind Syria Bombings

Group may be looking to exploit the chaos

al-Qaeda Sets Its Sights on Libya

Veteran jihadists reportedly dispatched to country earlier this year

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Release follows clash at internment compound

Panetta to Israel: 'Just Get to the Damn Table'

Defense Secretary says military action should be 'last resort, not the first'

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Al-Qaeda No. 2: Gaza Raid Is 'Gift From Obama'

Zawahiri mocks him as a potential 'savior'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Israel • Gaza • Hamas • Israel and Palestinians • Mideast • al-Qaeda • Ayman al-Zawahri

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Al-Qaeda: Help Syria Boot Assad

Al-Zawahri confirms terror group seeking to turn tide in Syrian uprising

US Suspects al-Qaeda Behind Syria Bombings

Group may be looking to exploit the chaos

al-Qaeda Sets Its Sights on Libya

Veteran jihadists reportedly dispatched to country earlier this year

Israel Frees Another 550 Palestinians

Release follows clash at internment compound

Panetta to Israel: 'Just Get to the Damn Table'

Defense Secretary says military action should be 'last resort, not the first'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?