Global Economic Crisis

Ayamn al-Zawahiri, the number 2 leader of Al-Qaida, spoke in a new video, where he added his own commentary on the global economic crisis. He specifically called on the American people to convert to Islam, which he claimed would enable them to recover from the economic and financial meltdown that has afflicted the United States and much of the world. According to al-Zawahiri, American actions since September. 11, 2001 have emptied the U.S. Treasury.

Ayman al-Zawahiri, whose 80-minute recording touched on a multitude of subjects, also lashed out at Afghanistan’s government and said any U.S. gains in Iraq will be temporary.

In his 80 minute video appearance, al-Zawahiri claimed that the roots of the U.S. and global economic crisis were in U.S. actions precipitated by 9/11.”The American economy was afflicted by a downturn and loss of investor confidence in the market following the events of September. 11,” said Al-Qaeda’s number 2.

“The modern economy has been destroyed by the strikes of the mujahedeen (in Iraq and Afghanistan) and the usury,” said Al-Zawahiri, who then called on the American people to embrace the Muslim faith, which he suggested would enable them, “to live a life free of greed, exploitation and forbidden wealth.” It is unclear if Al-Qaeda believes many Americans will accept its economic prescription for solving the financial crisis.