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Al Qaeda issues more threats of attacks

With an AK-47 at his side, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al Qaeda`s No. 2, appeared in a videotape broadcast Thursday and claimed that the 7/7 bombings were payback for British participation in America`s "policy of aggression against Muslims."

This latest tape was released on a day when an unprecedented police security operation was under way in London. While Mr. Zawahiri didn`t directly take credit for the London attacks, he promised more attacks on Britain, the US, and other allies, saying "tens of thousands" more American troops will be killed in Iraq if there isn`t an immediate withdrawal

The video is another Al Qaeda message apparently intended to turn Western democracies against their leaders by explaining acts of terrorism as rational decisions from a group with specific political goals. It challenges the position of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Bush administration officials, who have insisted that the London attacks have nothing to do with Iraq and that terror attacks will continue regardless of policy.