al Qaeda Claims 12,000 Fighters in Iraq

al Qaeda in Iraq insists it has 12,000 fighters in that country. It isn't clear how true that claim is. But it shouldn't be a surprise given our inability to stop the insurgency. Its also the belief of our intelligence community that the war itself is a recruitment vehicle for the insurgents in Iraq, thus al Qaeda. This is why we will not win the war and must beginning to leave that country as soon as possible.

We should also take note that the reference to Jerusalem is very ominous and telling. Israeli behavior has a direct bearing on the whole Islamic Jihad movement. This is why U.S. policy should seek to encourage peace between Israel and its neighbor not promote aggression by that country.