CAIRO, Egypt ?? Al-Qaeda's deputy leader called on Muslims worldwide to back Hamas with weapons, money and attacks on U.S. and Israeli interests, urging the Palestinian militant group on Monday to unite with al-Qaeda after its takeover of Gaza.

The Internet audio message from Ayman al-Zawahri, who is Osama bin Laden's top deputy, marked a major shift by al-Qaeda, which in the past criticized Hamas for joining a government with the U.S.-supported Fatah faction.

The audiotape appeared aimed at exploiting Hamas' gains and could fuel fears among Arab countries that Hamas-run Gaza will become a breeding ground for armed extremists.

But Hamas appeared unconfortable Monday with al-Zawahri's approach. The Palestinian group has been cool in the past to attempts to link it with al-Qaeda, saying its conflict is with Israel and that it has no plans to attack targets abroad. Also, Hamas does not want to alienate powerful Arab countries, such as Egypt.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, a hardliner, distanced his group from the al-Qaeda deputy's comments, but stopped short of criticizing them.

??Hamas has its own program, regardless of the comments of this group or that group,? he said Monday. ??In Hamas, we want to have good relations with all Arab and Muslim powers, regardless of how close or far away we are in our own programs.?
SignOnSanDiego.com > News > World -- Al-Qaeda No. 2 leader urges Hamas alliance, calls on Muslims to attack U.S., Israeli interests

I find this interesting on two fronts.

First off, this is the second time in a very short period that Al-Quada has reached out to different sectors for allies. Seems when a group is doing that it means that they are loosing members.....one way or another.

Second, LOL....Hamas must be considered a bit more "tolorant" for better terms than Al-Quada. They at least have their own agenda in which Hamas is willing to work with it's Arab neighbors.

Have a good one!:s4:
Psycho4Bud Reviewed by Psycho4Bud on . Al-Qaeda No. 2 leader urges Hamas alliance CAIRO, Egypt ?? Al-Qaeda's deputy leader called on Muslims worldwide to back Hamas with weapons, money and attacks on U.S. and Israeli interests, urging the Palestinian militant group on Monday to unite with al-Qaeda after its takeover of Gaza. The Internet audio message from Ayman al-Zawahri, who is Osama bin Laden's top deputy, marked a major shift by al-Qaeda, which in the past criticized Hamas for joining a government with the U.S.-supported Fatah faction. The audiotape appeared Rating: 5