US commander warns of al-Qaida's intentions
Al-Qaida is the main enemy to peace and stability in the Middle East and the terrorist group is seeking to acquire – and use – weapons of mass destruction there, a top US commander in Iraq told the US Congress.
“The enemy that brought us 9/11 continues to represent one of the greatest dangers to this nation,” warned General John Abizaid, the commander of US Central Command.
He was testifying alongside General George Casey, the most senior commander of coalition forces in Iraq, before the Senate and House Armed Services committees. Also to testify today were Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and General Richard Myers, the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
President Bush sent the group to Congress to try to convince politicians – and their sceptical constituents – that the US is making progress in the war.
