CAIRO, Egypt -- Al-Qaida'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 a l-Qaida 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-Qaida, 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. ...Al-Zawahri urged Hamas to implement Islamic law in Gaza, telling it, "Taking over power is not a goal but a means to implement God's word on earth." ...
"We can support them by targeting the crusader and Zionist interests wherever we can," al-Zawahri said.
Hamas is apparently not sure quite how to respond to this cheerleading. With the multiple levels of posturing endemic to Middle East affairs (and most reporting thereon), it must be a tricky call...
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