Iraq: Captured terrorist plotted World Cup attack

Is it a major victory in the war on terror or political posturing by an inexperienced Iraqi government? This blog is currently in no position to judge, but this report by Reuters still merits discussion.

At a news conference today, Major General Qassim al-Moussawi said Abdullah Azzam al-Qahtani was planning terrorist attacks in Iraq and South Africa. The Iraqi official said the captured suspect was coordinating with al Qaeda, and specifically Osama bin Laden's most-wanted lieutenant, Ayman al-Zawahiri, who is believed to be hiding in Afghanistan or Pakistan.

According to the article, neither the Obama administration or U.S. military officials have confirmed Iraq's provocative disclosure. South African officials say they will investigate the alleged terrorist plot.

Regardless of the veracity of Iraq's information, the World Cup will be an inviting target for terrorists dedicated to slaughtering innocent people to advance an ideology of oppression. The United States and coalition forces remaining on offense around the world will only help disrupt potential attacks.