Zawahri Threatens America, Israel, Jordan, Egypt

It was predictable that al Qaeda would put out a video intended to coincide with the 5th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11th. In the tape Zawahri makes new threats against America. The threats arent' limited to the United States but include warnings against our allies in the Middle East. We must be concerned whenever al Qaeda puts out a warning. They have a history of following through on their video threats. Couple that with the fact that there has not been a major terror attack this year, should put us on alert for the rest of the year. Zawahri, and his group of killers, are particularly under pressure to carry out an attack on the West given their recent failures.

It could be that al Qaeda is less capable of carrying out terror attacks in the West given the increased vigilance and resources dedicated to preventing terrorism. Or it could be they are preoccupied with the successful operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The recent breakup of a terror plot in Britain shows Bin Laden is still dedicated to bringing more terrorism to the West. Al Qaeda is patient. They won't be deterred. When the time is right they will strike again. Meanwhile, we will continue to shake every time we see an olive-complexioned male on board a plane, or every time we see an unattended duffel bag in the subway station. They will wait until we get tired of the constant, exhausting vigilance.

Unless, of course, we become successful in rooting out the true cause of terrorism. And that ain't going to happen while Bush is in office.