The BBC is reporting this morning that Al-Qaeda has released a new audio tape containing a surprisingly milder message than usual.
BBCNEWS
Al-Qaeda in Iraq have reacted to the US presidential election by issuing a statement on Friday directed at President-elect Barack Obama and his incoming administration.
The statement ... calls on the incoming US administration and allied Western leaders to embrace Islam, withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, and release Muslim prisoners from there and from Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
Compared to previous statements issued by the group this one is relatively mild, imploring America to return to what it calls "impartiality" and even offering not to disrupt Western oil supplies if its conditions are met.
"We promise that we will not stop the trading of oil or other commodities with you, provided that justice is achieved," the audio message said.
Some have remarked on Mr Obama's appointment of Rahman Emanuel as his chief of staff as "evidence of a pro-Israeli bias," saying he will "suck up to the Zionist lobby".
Always interesting to hear the musings of an avowed enemy, know thy enemy and all that. The BBC goes on to indicate they believe Al-Qaeda is positioning their message in a way that makes them look like the triumphant party when US troops start leaving Iraq. This message is very much in line with that, calling for the withdrawal and essentially framing the debate in a way that would indicate that the final end state is completely in agreement with Al-Qaeda's aims.
Obviously propaganda, and an interesting insight into the kinds of messages and ideas we will continue to face as we draw down our troop levels.