Zawahri warns US of reprisal if policy unchanged

Dubai, Jan 25: Al Qaeda second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahriwarned Americans of a reprisal ''far worse than anything they haveseen'' if Washington did not change its policies towards Muslim states.

''You are facing the Islamic rage ... what awaits you, should youpress on (with current policies), is far worse than anything you haveseen,'' Zawahri said in a video posted on the Internet on Wednesday.

Leaders of the militant group which carried out the September 11,2001 aircraft attacks against U.S. cities often argue that its''terrorism'' is justified as a way to change pro-Israel U S policiesand to punish Washington for its wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

''I will talk to you in a language you understand; If you want tolive safely you have to accept reality and reject the illusions that (US President George W.) Bush is trying to deceive you with,'' he said inthe video.

Part of the video was posted earlier this week on the Web site of the U S -based SITE institute.

''You have to try your utmost to reach an understanding with theMuslims, only then you will enjoy security. But if you continue withthe policy of Bush and his gang then you won't dream of it,'' he said.

Zawahri also vowed retaliation against Ethiopian troops for helping the Somalia's interim government rout rival Islamist.

''The Mujahideen will break their backs with God's power and help,'' Zawahri said.

Ethiopia said yesterday its forces began leaving the Somalicapital. It has said it does not plan to stay after it completes itsmission.

The Egyptian militant also urged Palestinians to abandon PresidentMahmoud Abbas as a ''traitor'' and said he had sold his religion andPalestinian land.

Reuters>