The Counterterrorism Blog: Zawahiri Letter Shows Iraq's Importance to al-Qaeda's Jihad: "First, the letter shows the al-Qaeda leadership's increasing sensitivity to public opinion.  Zawahiri writes of the importance of popular support for al-Qaeda, and rebukes Zawahiri for the Iraq insurgency's 'brutal tactics -- noting that hostages can just as effectively be killed with bullets rather than by beheading.'  I've written before (most recently in the Weekly Standard) of al-Qaeda's increased efforts to tailor their message to appeasement-minded Westerners.  Apparently, Zawahiri has also given some thought to how he can bolster al-Qaeda's image in the Muslim world.

Second, the letter shows Iraq's current importance to al-Qaeda's jihad.  Officials have said that Zawahiri's letter outlines al-Qaeda's four stage plan..."

(Via The Counterterrorism Blog.)