CAIRO (AP) — Al-Qaeda No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri will soon answer the hundreds of questions submitted by journalists, militants and others about the terrorist network’s future, its media wing announced today.
A banner bearing the logo of al-Qaeda’s media arm, al-Sahab, appeared on Web sites linked to the organization that have carried its messages in the past.
“Soon the surprise,” read the flashing banner, which showed a picture of the Egyptian-born militant dressed in white wearing a turban. “Soon by the grace of God, the open interview with Sheik Ayman Zawahri, first episode.”
Al-Sahab announced in December that al-Zawahri would take questions from the public posted on Islamic militant Web sites and would respond “as soon as possible.”
More than 900 entries — many with multiple questions — were posted on the main Islamist Web site until the cutoff date of Jan. 16. After the deadline, the questions disappeared from that site.
Self-proclaimed al-Qaeda supporters appeared to be as much in the dark about the terror network’s operations and intentions as Western analysts and intelligence agencies are.
The questioners appeared uncertain whether al-Qaeda’s central leadership directly controls the multiple, small militant groups around the Mideast that work in its name, or whether those groups operate on their own.
Some asked if al-Qaeda have a long-term strategy, while others wanted advice about conducting holy war.
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