Iraq Is ‘Cause Celebre’ for Terrorists

The just-declassified National Intelligence Estimate concludes that the war in Iraq has fueled Islamic extremism and “is shaping a new generation of terrorist leaders and operatives.”

Washington Post:

The Bush administration today released excerpts of a leaked U.S. intelligence report that concludes the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq has fueled Islamic extremism and contributed to the spread of terrorist cells. It also finds that terrorist groups around the world are adapting to counter-terrorism strategies.

“We assess that the Iraq jihad is shaping a new generation of terrorist leaders and operatives,” said a four-page summary of the 30-page National Intelligence Estimate, which was completed in April and leaked to several news media organizations last weekend.

The report, which reflects the consensus of 16 government intelligence services, also suggests that a U.S. victory in Iraq could weaken the will of terrorist groups.

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