'Al-Qaida in Iraq establishing cells in other countries'

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The US director of national intelligence said Tuesday he is concerned that al-Qaida in Iraq is shifting its focus to attacks elsewhere in the region. "They may deploy resources to mount attacks outside the country." Mike McConnell told a Senate hearing, although he also said that fewer than 100 terrorists have moved to establish cells in other countries. The al-Qaida terrorist network in Iraq and in Pakistan and Afghanistan has suffered setbacks, he said, but added that Osama bin Laden's organization remains the No. 1 threat.