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Broke al-Qaeda Pleads for Funds

Terror group seeks donations as US disrupts financing network

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 13, 2009 2:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – Efforts to cut off al-Qaeda's funding have been largely successful and the organization is now critically short of cash, according to the US Treasury. The group's "influence is waning" as the money dries up, according to one official who monitors terrorist financing, noting that al-Qaeda has already issued several appeals for funds this year. He warns, however, that the Taliban is in much better shape financially because of its involvement in the drug trade, the BBC reports.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

This frame grab is taken from a video message carrying the logo of al-Qaida's production house, as-Sahab. (AP Photo/IntelCenter)

This frame grab from an al-Qaeda video features a statement from a man calling himself "Abu Talha the German." (AP Photo/IntelCenter)

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We assess that al-Qaeda is in its weakest financial condition in several years and that, as a result, its influence is waning. - Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing David Cohen

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Broke al-Qaeda Pleads for Funds