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Source: http://www.tau.ac.il/jcss/tanotes/TAUnotes118.doc
Global Jihad as Reaction to American Policy: A Dangerous Delusion
(Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies-Tel Aviv University)Yoram Schweitzer - While critics of American foreign policy frequently argue that the terrorism inflicted by al-Qaeda is a result of flawed American policy towards Israel, al-Qaeda spokesmen, including bin Laden's deputy, Ayman Zawahri, in his book, The Cavaliers under the Prophet's Banner, make it clear that the U.S. has been targeted mainly because it is seen as al-Qaeda's leading rival. Al-Qaeda views the U.S. as an infidel anti-Islamic power against which Muslims are enjoined to wage war without compromise. Israel does figure prominently in al-Qaeda's propaganda because it represents "world Jewry" and, together with its American ally, forms what is defined as the "Judeo-Crusader" alliance.