WASHINGTON (AP) - Al-Qaida is the main enemy to peace and stability in the Middle East and the terrorist group is seeking to acquire—and use—weapons of mass destruction there, a top U.S. commander in Iraq told Congress. "The enemy that brought us 9/11 continues to represent one of the greatest dangers to this nation," warned Gen. John Abizaid, the commander of U.S. Central Command.
He was testifying alongside Gen. George Casey, the most senior commander of coalition forces in Iraq, before the Senate and House Armed Services committees. Also to testify Thursday were Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Gen. Richard B. Myers, the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
President Bush sent the group to Capitol Hill to try to convince lawmakers—and their skeptical constituents—that the United States is making progress in the war.
