Come on lads, CIA trained those people and arm them, so they should know who they are and what tactic they will adopt. It is a Boomerang effect! Than again, beware EU of Muslim radical’s do organise themselves on your own soil, and they will strike again and again. There is no quick solution to this issue, as long you have a “rebels” in Chechnya, Mujahidin’s in Bosnia, “freedom fighters” in Kosovo, the western countries won’t be safe.

Zoran, Limerick, Republic of Ireland

all you poor delusional americans you really believe all this propaganda. as you seem to like the nazi metaphor let's just try using that another way, what if say, bush is hitler in this scenario and as you have all pointed out no-one did anything against hitler till it was too late, well the us invaded afganistan (the poland in this case) and no-one complained, the us invaded iraq and people complained but no-one stopped them now they have their sights on iran, north korea and god knows where else who is going to speak up when they come for us???
also as you love jumping for joy and celebrating your so called freedom that you enjoy so much overthere in lala land, let me paint that in a different light. You have an average of 2 weeks holiday a year and are 2 paychecks away from being homeless, is that freedom? Your banks, insurance companies and employers own you that's not a freedom i would enjoy living in.
i think the real terrorists are the cia!!!!

lucia, spain, spain

"There is a book by George Orwell called "1984""

There isn't. He did write a book called "nineteen eighty-four", though.

But I agree with you, George. Things aren't as simple as many people seem to think. They should stop blindly believing the media and do some proper research.

And Jake, yes, the Quran is an interesting book, and so is the Bible. But the problems with both the Quran and the Bible lies in the way they are both (mis)interpreted by very powerful people.

starling, Lancaster,

Funny how this "news" (he was captured last year) comes out just after the Democrats agree to pull US troops out of Iraq.

aus9+1, London, England

A simple perusal of Saddam`s documents prove collaboration with terrorists and al-qaeda and his possession of dual use chemicals easily mixed to create wmds.

For the radical left to maintain that Saddam was no threat and was the only country in the middle east that had zero ties to terrorists is laughable. For the radical left to attempt to place expiration dates on combating terrorism is frightening. Imagine Churchill during WWII stating that Oct.of 1943 would be the expiration date of Britians participation.

Stephen McMurphy, Bangor, USA

There is a book by George Orwell called "1984" that I think lot of people on this chain should read. The world is not as black and white as lots of these comments seem to suggest. Is the US really an innocent abroad? Or is it a powerful country facing opposition to its foreign policy in the only way that the people opposed are able to express? Perhaps a solution could be found if the root of the underlying grievances were addressed rather than attempting to eradicate oppsition by force... Or maybe that would just be too complicated?

George, Dublin, Ireland

Out here we don't get to meet to many Muslim folk, but I picked up a copy of the Quran at the local library. It makes pretty interesting reading, more folks should look at what it has to say. I can understand why it means so much to those folks in the Middle East. If only my fellow Americans could spend more time reading the book they would start to see the world in a different and better way.

Jake, Two Dogs, Wyoming

and the democrats say . . . turn them all loose, give them some new clothes and some traveling money and kiss them goodby . . . i'm one who says thank you Bush and Blair for doing the right thing. Ed from Kansas

ed trease, baxter springs, usa/ks

The article notes that this man as a major in the Iraqi army and may have had contact with senior al-Queda leaders in the late 90's, assuming he's a Sunni and a fervent Islamist, what does that say about his actions under Saddam?

Daniel Glenn, Boaz, AL, USA

can thje world wake up we are at war and regardless what the a c l u want the are . al qaede is out there ARD AL HARDE is in cuba.maybe he should be released to fidel and all our problems would be solved.please consult with harry reid hillary chuck hagel and pelosi. only they can lead us down the proper path. god save america

schamaro, delray, FLA

we no longer live in a world where a war can be fought assuming the utilization of the same rules of engagement are being used. we must be able to fight in the same way that our enemies fight. this administration knows this. america is in a dangerous place. losing the wars in the middle east has grave consequences to thise who believe in freedom. honestly, some forms of torture are neccessary. the capture of Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi is a great victory for us and we must use every means at our disposal to gather information.

geoff, tempe, az

I advise everyone to be extremely skeptical of any story based heavily upon "U.S. intelligence sources." Remember, these are the same people who provided the phony "evidence" that justified Bush's invasion of Iraq in the first place. The credibility of the CIA has been totally destroyed by the Bush Administration's politicizing of intelligence.

Patrick, washington , DC, USA

I shudder to think what is happening to him in Guantanamo. If I weren't an atheist I'd say - Pray for him. I wonder if George Bush is doing so.

alan, cologne,

Dear Mr. W. Smith,

How convemient to keep blaming Islamic terrorism on our governments and the invasion of Iraq. If we just bring our troops home and let the UN handle the situation, all will soon be well.

Recommended reading for all Europeans: "America Alone" by Mark Steyn. Good luck.

Barb Arian

Barb, Woodstock, NY

Western Civilization? There's an Idea that hasn't been tried yet!

M. D. Adams, Atlanta, Ga, USA

All you lilliputians and barbarians need to shut up. You have no idea the pains that elites go through in protecting you from yourselves. Sure some people say senselessly extinguishing the breath of over a million innocent lives is a bit extreme. They may say that leaving over one million US soldiers and British soldiers with DU poisoning is somewhat irrational. These arguments carry no weight. If you were illuminated like we are you would understand that it is our love for you lesser individuals that causes us to save you this way. Otherwise you might let another Arab student in your cities and you know what that means. Of course we will put him in the Monarch project for another MI6/CIA false flag terror plot. Now you don't want that so stop complaining while we use your sons and daughters as cannon fodder for the protection of Cheney's oil.

Good night and good luck :)

Leo Strauss, VIenna, Ausrtria

I do not believe American propaganda machine that he was indeed captured in Iraq. I wish the captured would be allowed to talk. Why did it take the Americans kept so long to announce his capture? They were planning a suitable lie. Now people will believe Al Qaeda was in Iraq before the invasion. All we are saying is that the invasion has not done anyone good and the earlier we planned our exist the better.

Sam Danso, New York, USA

The rational thinkers knew these guys were running around and it's just a matter of time before we can catch them or kill them. They are a determined enemy and this low intensity war is the deadliest one the west has ever faced. They don't want to make us speak their language, they don't even want our resources. They want us dead!

rick, atlanta, ga

and the now the UK handcuffs it's own intelligence apparatus by taking a sham moral stand against guantanamo. instead of gaining independence from the US they now have to go, cap in hand, begging information from the CIA. in order to protect their own terribly confused citizenry. pathetic

juan belmonte, san diego,

The Democrats just want us to say, "Please mister terrorist don't hurt me!" "We promise to leave Iraq and go home." And if we do what they want, they will hold hands with us and sing Kumbya. Let's see...isn't that what Spain did? And how did that work for them?

Ronda, Galt, USA

A high ranking Saddamite in Al Queda since the mid 90?

bob, chicago, usa

People aren't blameless. We need to commend the U.S. and U.K. for working together so cohesively. Saudi Arabia is also our neighboring country and very fortunate to have prevented an incident. Thank you, everybody, for looking out for safety.

PB, Norwich, CT USA

I am not sure about 7-7 either, but what I really want to know is how all these so-called "al-Qaeda masterminds" got thermite into the WTC complex?

Garrett, Wilmington, DE

to all the people on the left who after 9-11 said lets go get the sob's who did this.but now have lost your nerve. just so you can say that Bush and Blair are idiots .you should be ashamed of yourself .this war ,weather in Iraq or wear ever is just the right thing to do.we must put our troops in any place we can to kill or capture as many terrorist as we can.(God bless all the troops who fight for our freedom and safety)

dennis brafford, CINCINNATI, USA

There's clearly a missprint here. It says that this Al Qaeda guy was a former major in Saddam Hussein's army. Since everyone knows (11th Commandment) that there was no connection between Saddam and Al Qaeda (because Saddam was SECULAR), this cannot be true,

melk, Cincinnati, USA

Fry him.

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif. USA

Jamesh, you are still in the law and order mindset. Get over it! You don't put prisoners of war on trial. Did anyone try the Nazi or Japanese prisoners of war?

>> But the two events also point up the advantage and centrality of Iraq to al-Queada's

The advantage is to us. Iraq has always been "central", since it's the seat of the caliphate. It's a brilliant strategy to put the enemy on the defensive, if winning the war is the goal. Do you? If not, who is idiotic?

Gunnar, Annapolis, Maryland

To Eric, Portland, Oregon

The news media makes me sick too....all the left leaning news media. Harry Reid and Nance Pelosi are probably puking in their waste baskets at this very moment...if they're not too stupid to see we're winning in Iraq. Although Harry is probably tied up at the moment in some Nevada land grab transaction and Nance is probably tied up at the moment in some SF sicko transaction. For God's sake man, wake the hell up. This administrration and the Brits are trying to keep your ass safe. You're not being violated, you're being protected....just like the rest of us. The sooner you figure out that the general media slants so far left it's about to fall over, the sooner you'll see the light. We love ya, man. Get on the right side of this conflict and start loving America instead of fighting it and leading it down the road to surrender.

mrgrogro, waynesboro, va/ USA

I'm not following your logic, David. Are you saying it would be better if al-Qaeda was spread out more throughout the middle east, rather than primarily in Iraq, making it more difficult for us to capture its members?

It's also interesting to me that this fellow is considered one of al-Qaeda's most experienced, intelligent and ruthless commanders, as described in the above article, but had also been a Major in Saddam's army. We are so often told how Iraq and al-Qaeda had no connection.

Steve, Portland, OR

As an American in Afghanistan, I say that, you're probably right. They'd be spread all over the world and we'd be hunting for them everywhere. Now we know where the majority of them are. Kind of like setting out fly-bait - it stinks but it kills flys.

Jeff, kabul, afghanistan

Eric in Portland,
What's wrong with a little successful PR? Are you afraid Sharia law has been dealt a setback? I'm happy about it. There's a reason western societies function so well and Middle Eastren societies basically are jails for 90% of the inhabitants. It's called freedom. ..or in the case of the Middle East...lack of freedom. Do you kinda wish the Nazi's didn't lose? You should really go sit on a park bench and truly think about your principles. Rememeber, this is not about president Bush. So, don't be distracyted by that. I know this takes advanced thinking but, you can handle it.

Robert, Woodland, USA, CA

To our many Irish friends , did you happen to miss the terrorist attack on 9-11-01? Or did you not care? You would if the terrorists come to Ireland seeking to murder all Catholics and Protestants. The time to fight is before the enemy is too powerful - remember the Nazis and Hitler.

Thank you to our brave and honorable servicemen from all countries helping to fight the cowards who would kill just for power.

ladyluck, orlando, florida

Why does al-Quaeda fight so hard for Iraq? Their so-called base was in Afganistan. Saddam and Iraq had not ties to al Quaeda, yeh right! We stirred the hornets nest right on target.

Joe, San Diego, Ca

David of Ireland.....did you read the article? He was a prior Major in Saddam's Army before directing the insurgency in Afghanistan and aligning with the Taliban. He also directed strategies for attacks against Europe. Much of that took place before Iraq was ever invaded. Radical Islam is going to get worse in the world before it ever gets better (including in Europe). You need to start blaming radical Islam and not America.

Frogg, Ladysmith, VA USA

Let him go. He might be innocent. And if he isn't, who cares?

Lowranger, Vancouver, USA/WA

This is good news and Brits and Americans from all political parties should be happy about this, but alas for liberals there is no such thing as good news. Specifically, they hate success of any kind from the military. Interesting the media seems not to ask how many terrorists are killed daily, weekly or monthly. Al-Qaeda would rejoice in an American pullout along side the Democrats (and Hagel)...an interesting image.

NavyDog, Atlanta, USA

Matriz,

A senate panel in September 2006 clearly stated that Saddam "was distrustful of al-Qaida and viewed Islamic extremists as a threat to his regime." It quotes an FBI report from June 2004 in which former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz said in an interview that "Saddam only expressed negative sentiments about bin Laden."

The report concludes that postwar findings do not support a 2002 intelligence community report that Iraq was reconstituting its nuclear program, possessed biological weapons or ever developed mobile facilities for producing biological warfare agents. So do you believe the Senate report or do you believe Dick Cheney?

Mohammed Choudhury, London, UK

Re; Mr. David Irby's comment:

David, Thank God we have heroes like President Bush and PM Blair and those in Iraq that captured this cowardly rodent. Do you really consider yourself qualified to demean those that are sacrificing themselves despite unqualified opinion worldwide to save you and your family from suicide bombs or having your throat sliced? Better sniff the coffee sir. Why couldn't you just say," great job, I'm glad you are there to help me and mine. And By the way, thank you".

Bruce Mccurrach, Wenham, USA / Massachusetts

If there were no USA presence in Iraq, terrorists like Al-Hadi would still be free to roam the world with his suicide bombers. Democrats are playing a dangerous political game in Congress with the lives of all of us and not just in the USA. The Democrat Majority in Congress is pointing their guns like a firing squad aimed at the military in Iraq. Iraq is the key to controlling Al-Qaeda. It is Bush and Blair who have the vision to see the potential danger. Now, all it will take is the Arab world to help eliminate the radical factions bent on the destruction of Christians and Jews and preparing for the eventual Jihad of the Arab Nations. God help the world if Democrats gain control of the White House. It is bad enough now that the Democrats control the Congress. Rudolph J. Girandola, Author, The Jade Chalice

Rudolph J. Girandola, Allentown, nJ

Job one for Al Qaida has been to destroy democracy in Iraq. Capturing this jihadist leader is one more success in the war against AQ. Hopefully the Americans will transfer him to Gitmo where he can be held as a prisoner of war, without a lawyer of course. The captured prisoners should all be held in captivity until the jihadists surrender (this is obvious too all but the leftists). This may be decades away though.

sbourg, baltimore, USA

Ummm I thought there were no terrorists in Iraq? Since that has been the mantra of the media for 6 years now. Oh I remember now the media is full of crap... I forgot...

Paul , Bay Shore, USA/ NY

"Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi, a former major in Saddam Hussein’s army..."

"He added that he was a key al-Qaeda paramilitary leader in Afghanistan in the late 1990s.."

At least further circumstantial evidence of Saddam's pre-9/11 ties to al-Qaeda .

Of course, the Western Left will simply ignore such inconvenient facts.

donkeyhater, East Coast, USA

As an American in Houston, I say that, every sensible person should read into the fact that if this person was calling for an Al-Qaeda attack on Britain as early as 2003 as a member of Al-Qaeda, this speaks volumes about the link between Al-Qaeda and the Hussein regime.

Scott Miller, Spring, Texas, USA

If the demolitioncrats had the presidency and had captured this guys car mechanic - you would have had instantaneous TIME and Newsweak front covers parading "Winning the War" etc, etc. The fact that we caught this guy last year and only now is it known is proof that this administration is NOT using the ware for political purposes. Also, how in hell do we learn right away about the temperature the Gitmo prisoners are subjected to - or how many korans are flushed down the toilet - but do not hear important news untll six months after it happens? More proof the selfish, leftist, moonbat media has an obvious agenda.

Dave, Toronto, Canada

I would assert that there are many things that the public is unaware of when it comes to what the US knows and who it has captured or killed. Do you think the US is a bunch of idiots to give so much intelligence away as to alert the enemy? We didn't become the world's superpower by accident! It's funny watching the media tripping over itself with all of the negative stories about the war of terrorism. Go Bush!

Randy Anderson, Durham, USA

David Irby said:
"And that would never have happened if Bush and Blair had not made their idiotic invasion of that country." Where's the logic in that statement? If Iraq had not been "invaded" then besides this terrororist; the world would have Saddam Hussein alive, living & operating from Iraq!! Plus all the dead terrorists killed since Bush and Blair's "idiotic invasion" would be alive and planning more bombings!!! Am I missing something?

Paul, San Diego, CA

So........now that we have gotten they guy responsible for killing people in London, is it ok for us to interrogate him, hold him in prison, and help prevent more attacks against us both?

Or was his "interrogat(ion) for months in a 'ghost prison'" beyond the pale? Or should we close down Gitmo and send this guy on his way?

AaronZ, Nashville, TN, USA

Guys, this was administrative propaganda. This guy was captured in 2002 in Afghanistan. A cursory check on Google will give you some basic facts. You better drop this one like a hot potato or it will affect your entire reputation. Just trying to give some friendly advice from a fellow journalist.

Greg Palast, New Orleans, LA

Eric, it would have been more suspicious if they had released it ''before'' the vote.

Rjones, Dallas, Tx

Jamesh these issues are not for the civil courts. These men should be considered prisoners of war, and be tried as such.

Dave Collins, Tucson, Arizona

This is a vital hit to al-Qaeda and well done. But the use of the word mujahidin is misleading - they fought the Soviets with UK and US backing.

Ben, York,

Godo news, Thanks to American soldiers.

Nick, London,

Total win for the American and British forces
Fraud to you who do not see it!

Sara McConolly, Saigon, Vietnam

" Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi "

Surely this is a pseudonym, and the whole story of the release of the identity of this unknown figure at this time is just turgid propaganda?

His name represents the Everyman of Iraq, and he wants his country back.

Give it to him.

Tom England, Windsor, UK

Everytime a scumbag from al-Quaeda goes down, we can all breathe a little easier. Nice job boys!

mrgrogro, Waynesboro, va, USA

Iraq will be the main front against fundamentalist Islamist radicals and terrorism, thanks to Mr Bush for waging the war against Saddam to liberate Iraq which will lead to liberating the Muslim world from radicalism; it all takes time to strengthen the moderate forces to achieve overall victory. thanks to the great sacrifices by the young Americans for giving heir life for the sake of freedom.

O. hamoud, BRISBANE, Australia

What if the michael moore/jane fonda crowd had convinced us to retreat from iraq? This would be one more terrorist left free to attack us at home. Anyone who does not believe we have a dog in this fight is deluded. Radical islam has no redeeming value and should be destroyed ANYWHERE we find it. Where is Winston Churchill when you need him? Western civilization has become weak and reeks of cowards.

ed khoury, pittsburgh, usa

Is there a more strategic position than on the border of Iran and Syria? Why would we ever be so stupid as to give it up? Going there was brilliant. Staying there is brilliant. How much support can Syria give Hezbullah if we start knocking on their back door? Not if, but when we decide we've had enough of Iran killing innocent people, what would it cost us to have to redeploy from somewhere else, if we can? That's right, lefties, I said when. How many more people responsible for killing your fellow citizens have to walk across the Iranian border before you realize the Iranian government is trying to kill you? How many more bombs made in Iran have to kill your neighbors before you wake up? Oh, that's right, it's all about blaming Bush and America, isn't it. When they start to drawn the knife against your throat, maybe you'll grow a spine, but I doubt it. Those of us left fighting will just consider it your contribution to ending global warming.

Sanity, Houston, Texas

If this individual was a member of the Sadaam regime, and he was involved with al-Queda terrorists since the late 1990's; this might be the Iraq - al-Queda connection? Either way, I am glad he is "off the streests!"

L. M., Miami, Fla. USA

It is very convenient, this story. It is an Iraqi from Saddam's army, thus conveniently tying together Iraq and al-Qa'ida. We will hear soon how Saddam and al-Qa'ida were really in cahoots. What is more this man was also masterminding the 7/7 bombing. Really he was responsible for everything.

Another case perhaps of confessions resulting from torture, I wonder?

Alexander, Paris, France

The Uk should thank the USA for doing all the dirty work, like interrogations, as the Uk has to appease its immigrant minority and call for the closure of Guantanamo. Thank God someone gets the work done.

michael clarke, london, uk

Good work in capturing this killer! The situation over there IS improving, much to the dismay of the left, who dispute everything their governments say, but find precious little to criticize when it comes to al-Qaeda and Iran.

Abd al Hadi "tried to enter Iraq from Iran". We know that Iran has big plans for dominating the region and the world, and terror is their weapon. The main thing is never to let them get nukes. No matter what it takes -- the West must stop them or the consequences will be worse than we imagine. There is still time.

American Guy, Chicago,

Dear Azvet,
Al-Qaeda leaders will have a succession of leaders to take place of those who go, do not worry; they will come to no end so long as the American administration is playing havoc with the Arab and Islamic nations. Logically and scientifically, people do not blame the reaction; they blame the action for the following results. Al-Qaeda is a terrorist Organisation; this is true, but do not forget that those people have a strategy – regardless right or wrong – of matching up their cruelty to the criminality of self-styled policeman of the World, America. Stop the oppression of your government, and simply won't need to face their wrong strategy.

Ismail, Gaza, Palestine

I shudder to think what's happening to him right now. If I weren't an atheist I'd say: Pray for him. (Sorry folks to take a different line.)

alan, cologne,

To Mr. Presley of Tulsa.....you are 100 % correct!!! Like bugs to a light. Thank God someone else realizes that! The strategy may not have been intentional, but its working!!

Has anyone else noticed recently that even the mainstream media is saying less and less about Shites and Sunnis fighting in Iraq, and more, and more about how its Al Quaeda? Wow...maybe theres hope they'll even start reporting in earnest on the Iranian involvement.

Murph, Madisonville , KY / USA

I'm on my third tour in Iraq. Forget about what political party you support. This fight isn't about Bush, Blair or their opponents in politics. Its about a clash of ideologies with radical islam being intolerant of any other.

Our fickle public and manipulating politicians are going to pull victory from our jaws.

Victory should not be defined as winning in Iraq. Victory should be defined as crippling radical islamists to the point they can't hurt us at home. We are doing that at the moment but someone is bound to make a political career out of bringing us home.

The public will get up in arms again in a few years after the next episode of denial wears off and our children will be here fighting an enemy we could have crippled for a couple decades. If we buy time to develop an alternative to petroleum, we can render this place insignificant and let them evolve for another 2-3 hundred years. Then maybe they will have some tolerance of each other or blow each other up.

Mark, Baghdad, Iraq

What a joke, they report this 6 months later, they must be running out of good news in Iraq

jonshon, greenwood, USA

I just thought it was interesting that he was caught crossing the border from Iran into Iraq, since of course, as everyone knows, Iran will have nothing to do with Al-Qaeda.

John, Cameron, Texas

The view of neville chamberlain - hide your head in the sand & they won't hrut us! Bull! If not Iraq - where? Africa what did they do - nothing! Spain - Ditto! School children in Russia - very bad little ones I guess! Pull your head out of your arse! Kill the bastrds whenever we can!

Marco, LA, USA

Cross another one off the list.....
My hats off to the guys that caught him.
Let him rot in Gitmo.

John Sperling, Mesa, Arizona

Reading the previous comments, I have to say I am appalled by some of them. The United States and Britain are fighting for the safety of all nations. Some may not realize it, but Islamic terrorist cells are in place all over the world, as Britain sadly discovered on 7/7 and America on 9/11. Horrific attacks have occurred in both our countries, which were patiently and methodically planned by persons such as al-Hadi. The little minds who conceive of his capture as "spin" have been brain-washed by leftist politicians and the oh-so-helpful media who continually broadcast their sick ideas.

Gloria, Kennewick, USA

A former Major in Saddam Hussein's Army!

Let's hear that one more time for our Liberal Friends...

A FORMER MAJOR IN SADDAM HUSSEIN'S ARMY!

One more time.

A FORMER MAJOR IN SADDAM HUSSEIN'S ARMY!

Yes, Victoria. Al-Quaida WAS in Iraq before the war and they WERE working with the Iraqi government!

It's not George W Bush who is in "denial" it is the Anti-American Left.

George E. Jones, Ogden, ut

This is for the conspiratorial minded readers on the timing of this revelation, remember that Gen. Petraeus testified last week to the US Congress now lead by the US Left. Which by definition means it would or has been leaked. Preemptive release of the basic facts directly from the source precludes mis-information or slanting of the information for political means upon its disclosure. Of course its release by definition has political and propaganda intonations.

Scott, Largo, US

No theres no war its all about oil and so was the 7/7
plot,9/11 and many more. Can we say delusional.
If we didn't have oil the UK and US countries would
grind to a halt. Oh I forgot the "peace at all cost crowds"
happy to live in the woods off berrys and nuts under
some religious fanatics rule.

thecatman, greensboro, nc/usa

Let's see. The Americans capture a terrorist responsible for planning the 7/7 bombings in England. The Americans detain him in Cuba. The British government decides to support the closure of the American detention center in Cuba.and won't let their own investigators visit the detention center to question him

America not only grabs a terrorist who murdered British citizerns, we detain him and take all the criticism from weak kneed liberals around the world including ungrateful British politicians have evidently decided that jailing terrorists is too horrible a concept for their sensitive English constitutions.

Personally, I've had my fill of stupid British politicians. The term "ungrateful bastards" comes to mind Let's close Guantanamo and give Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi a first class ticket to Heathrow on British Airways. I'll even pay for the limosine to take him to Parliment where he could thank the MPs in person and then on to view a taping of top Gear.

Stan, Cody, Wyoming USA

I thought there was NO Iraq-al-Qaeda connection!?I thought America was just an imperialist thug destroying families and cultures around the world!?This can't be right,we're warmongers with no regard to cultures and life.I'm confused. :)

JeffW, Fernandina, Fl.USA

We owe thanks to the US troops who caught this guy. Well done to the US for taking this war to the enemy, wherever they may lurk. There can be no doubt we are fighting World War 3, and it was not of our making. Guantanamo bay seems to be functioning perfectly well as a PoW camp, and the US treats its prisoners well. Blair has stood firm so far, so why is the UK now refusing to partake in/benefit from interrogations? HMG wants this both ways, both to fight this evil, but to do so by the letter of the Human Rights Act (at least that’s what it says). It sends British Forces into the field, but wont fund the equipment they need to ensure minimum casualties, let alone operational effectiveness. Brown & Cameron offer no hope of change either. US, Australian, Canadian, Danish and other Allied troops are fighting in a common cause. We need to prosecute the war, and the propaganda war against those within our borders who hate Western society (whatever their origin), with the utmost vigour.

nicetime, Swindon,

One more thing...... watch this


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFGMyAbBlnk

Dave Collins, Tucson, Arizona

Wait, they should bring him to Washington, DC. This will give Sen. Reid and Rep. Murtha a high ranking Al-Qaeda official to surrender too.

Kelly, Raleigh,

''Senior counter-terrorism sources told The Times that he was the man who, in 2003, identified Britain as the key battleground for exporting al-Qaeda’s holy war to Europe.''
--------

But as everyone knows the current British government has emphatically ruled out any connections between the invasion of Iraq, and any of the attacks in UK. So whom do we believe? The government or the senior sources?

Also why the name of Abd al-Hadi has been truncated dropping the al-Iraqi off? Are the authors on the first name basis with this guy?

Further, now that this guy has been captured does it mean the war on terror is over, or are there more bogey men who are waiting in the wings, to fill the leadership void?

How come are these Yanks writing the same unconscious drivel over and again in a UK based publication? Could it conceivably have any connections with the hoard of barbarians cut loose on the instructions of the Internet Megaphone?

W. Smith, Sunderland, UK

Anyone who really believes that there were not/are not WMD's over there is delusional, lying to him/herself or brainless.

Bev, Bakersfield, CA/USA

I'm encouraged by the many people on this board who realize we had to fight al-Queda somewhere, and Iraq made the most sense of all (for all the reasons already mentioned on this board).

There's hope for western civilization yet :)

DL, Austin, TX

This is a very revealing article. but not in the sense that the Journalist who wrote it would probably like:
----
7/7 'mastermind' is seized in Iraq
The al-Qaeda leader who is thought to have devised the plan for the
July 7 suicide bombings in London and an array of terrorist plots
against Britain has been captured by the Americans.
Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi, a former major in Saddam Hussein's army, was
...
Abd al-Hadi was taken into CIA custody last year, it emerged from US
intelligence sources yesterday, in a move which suggests that he was
interrogated for months in a "ghost prison" before being transferred
to the internment camp in Cuba.
--
Anyone who is not an idiot would regard the first paragraph (seemingly confirming every neocon talking point put forward so far), given the second one, with the same ridicule fake nazi letters from Theresiendadt or "confessions" in Stalin time should have been regarded.
Yet, here we have a whole article written on the basis of such "sources".
Shame!

lunogled, Frankfurt, Germany

Oh yes its all about oil. Well without oil we'd be living
in a cave eating nuts and berries celebrating our
conversion to Islam with Usama Bin-Laden. How
delsional some people are. How many thwarted and
succesful attacks will it take some people to believe. Oh
I forgot its all a conspiracy for George Bush and Tony
Blair who are almost out of power to stay in power..
Get off the prozac.....

thecatman, greensboro, nc/usa

Those who oppose the US efforts in Iraq must remember this one important truism!!

Wherever alQaeda is, there will be CIVIL WAR! Because that's what alQaeda DOES - they instigate civil war and attempt to take over the host's government.

That's what they did in Afghanistan pre-9/11. That's what they are doing in Somalia, that's what they are doing in Darfor, and that's what they are doing in Britain.

That's why the US is right in fighting alQaeda in Iraq, and elsewhere. After all, as THIS article points out so completely, alQaeda was already in Iraq pre/9/11 embedded inside Saddam Hussein's military.

All those peaceniks in Britain and the US who demand we leave Iraq now are simply deluding themselves.

Dave Sommers, Levittown, Pennsylvania, USA

There’s no connection between Saddam’s officers and al-Qaeda. There’s no connection between Iran and al-Qaeda in Iraq. There’s no connection between 9/11 & 7/7. There’s no connection between the war in Iraq and 9/11. Just because it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck, does not mean it’s not swan.

Flemming Jespersen, Toronto , Ont

to jesus muhammadYahweh,Heaven
this is why the western world has a big problem with Islam when an intelligent man /lady like yourself is
frightened to put your real name to your comment
in our free world we are proud to give our views and comments come on join us its fun and the more we
comment the more people listen

george william taylor, hull, uk

'Idiot invasion of Iraq' David? How about, idiotic (at best) opposition to the defence of Iraqi democracy? If people like yourself (and you're by no means the worst example) stop doing Al Qa'eda's propaganda job for it and get behind the defence of Iraqi democracy the situation would be a lot better than it is now. Every time people like you disparage the US allied commitment in Iraq you encourage the enemy. Every time people like you say 'its time to get out' whenever terrorists kill, it encourages them to kill more. Start appreciating the freedom you have and stop wishing tyranny on others.

One further comment I'd also like to make. While forums like this show the States still has its fair share of Cassandra's and nutjobs, the number of American posters with moral fibre far outweigh the number of British posters. God bless America!

Graeme Thompson, Barcelona, Spain.

I will believe this quicker than anything the local media has said since they are so blatantly left wing. While I believe we should fight this war in the Middle East, in order to protect our children and grandchildren, I also feel our country's divided politics has turned our soldiers into chess pieces depending on which side has their way. Allow our soldiers to engage in full warfare, not this cut and run style the Democrats are pushing. The in-fighting our country is experiencing is the major cause of death to our soldiers, and will be our downfall as well (remember the Roman Empire?).

Patti Castle, Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas

WAKE UP WORLD. This is the start of a 500 year war and it can't be won by retreat.

Bill, Illinois,

Maybe, just maybe, Great Britan is waking up to realize that they have become infested with vermin. The USA (liberals) want to dream we live in a Never Never Land.

Ty, Millerstown, Pa. USA

From steve, portland, or
"there is no war, this is all about oil"

Yes, so what is your point? The very PC you typed this message on would not be possible without oil. The car you drive, the bus you take, the train you ride, the bicycle you pedal all would not be possible without oil. The high standard of living you enjoy. All of these use oil in some way or another. To nievely think the world can just turn off it's need for oil is ludicrus. OK, make gasoline 10 dollars a gallon in the USA, guess what happens to the WORLD’s economy. Yes the worlds, not just the USA’s economy goes to shit. The world runs on oil. It is a fact that won't change any time soon. If you want to live in a third world country then by all means move to one. If a few bad guys are killed along the way, so much the better..

If the USA and Britain were not in Iraq right now we would have seen 5-10 more 9/11s by now. No question in my mind.

Kevin, baltimore, USA

"but I'm sure some of the comments that follow will be sympathtic to the terrorist mastermind. Good night sweet Britian."

To use the words of Willy Wonka: you're weird. Seriously, how can anyone (except for nutty Islam extremists) be sympathetic to a terrorist mastermind?

That said, it would have been nice if they'd arrested him -before- 7/7 ...

starling, Lancaster,

Hey -

I think that Europe and America should just invent a force field that protects only good people and their property from attack. (Of course that would exclude most people on the Left as well as the terrorists. Can't have too much of a good thing.)

A question for the idiots on the Left (and you know who you are): Suppose BushBlairHoward said, "Ya know - we have doubts about the intelligence linking Saddam to Terrorists. Nah - screw a war. And then (mercifully) the terrorists took out San Fransisco. Would the people of Berkely and Oxford generously say: "Right on, Mr. Bush. 'Frisco is glass, but at least you didn't go to war."

Yeah - that would have happened.

The problem is that the Left and the Right protect their own. The difference is that the Right says let's protect the whole darn country while the Left buries it's collective head where the sun don't shine.

Yeah - let's have the force field.

Harry

Harry, Chatsworth, USA

The Democrats who are demanding a withdrawal from Iraq at a date certain are cynically using the Iraq war to gain political power at the expense of our Nation's and the West's security. One hopes they would have the decency to be ashamed.

Dave, Castle Rock, Colorado

Sad that the CIA/FBI/DOD/Administration are forced to release info they probably don't want to release - solely to counteract the destructive and traitorous propaganda of our own Congress.

There is a lot more of this out there than anyone knows. Mark is rite-on. We're fighting the islamoterrorists with our brave military on the correct front - THEIR backyard.

Wake up and quit playing politics everyone.

redcat, Orlando, FL

......and, to the Brits, thank you so much for all the great work your troops have done in Iraq and Afghanistan. They stepped up to the plate and are doing a great job to make the world safer for all of us.

Frogg, Ladysmith, VA USA

Everyone plans for succession. Implementing it is harder. Interesting that he was caught coming in on the Iranian border. This infers that some there share the goal of destabilizing Iraq.

Joshua Brundlesby, Birmingham, UK

"If Bush and Blair had not made their idiotic invasion of ..." Iraq, where would al-Quaeda gather so that sensible people might strike concentrated blows against them?

Porkov, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Oh, yes, Bush and Blair are causing these people to blow themselves up for all of those virgins. I am sure you believe that they would be loving us and flashing peace signs at each us if Iraq had not happened. This didn't start with Bush and Blair and won't change if the Democrats have their way and "cut and run" and leave the Iraqi people to the designs of this bloodthirsty organization.

Raiderdad, Metairie, LA

What a coincidence. I never would have guessed that the 7/7 bomber would be found in the Middle East, in Iraq of all places. The CIA must have kidnapped him in Bradford and taken him secretly to Iraq. At least that's what I expect Independent and Guardian readers to be cooking up in their heads.

"And that would never have happened if Bush and Blair had not made their idiotic invasion of that country."

I thought getting Americans out of the entire region, pre-Iraq war, was always what Al-Qaeda always wanted. Uh, Osama Bin Laden has always said he wanted Americans out of Muslim countries, especially Saudi Arabia. That's always been central to their cause.

moose, manchester,

As an American in America, I say that every sensible American is glad David Irby is in Ireland. Hopefully you are not voting as absentee in our elections.

Jim Campbell, San Francisco, CA/USA

Stay in Ireland!

S. E., Naples, FL USA

Right. And I suppose the "idiotic" American and British invasion of Iraq was responsible for the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 and again in 2001.

All of the major western intelligence agencies thought Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. They were all wrong - as of the time of the invasion. So, that, of course, is the fault of Bush and Blair too?

Wayne Corey, Laguna Niguel, USA

Perhaps Mr. Irby did not notice that the captured Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi was "a former major in Saddam Hussein’s army." I wonder what people such as Abd al-Hadi and the Fedayeen Saddam might be doing now if they still had access to all the resources of Saddam's stalinist dictatorship.

Steve Miller, Irvine, USA

Huh, David Irby? You would rather have al Qaeda concentrating its efforts on London, New York, Sydney...? Also, you are admitting Iraq is a battleground being focused on by al Qaeda. So why do we want to leave defeated to subsequently allow al Qaeda a victory and a base of operation?

Sam Jones, Wauwatosa, USA-WI

So, instead of all of the terrorists staying to fight in the middle east (eg Iraq), would some of you have preferred they came to fight in America or Europe?

I think we all wish that there was not a war, but if people are going to strap themseleves with explosives and kill innocents, they may as well do it on their side of the pond.

Robert , NY, NY

As an Irishman in America I say that you have to be daft to think that Saddam was not working with the terrorist lot or that things are worse than they would have been -- no chance of capturing this sod -- or striking this blow against al-Quaeda without the invasion in the first place. Wake up and face the fact that striking against Saddam made sense and still does. David Irby just hates Bush more than those who are trying to kill him (David Irby, that is).

Steve Fitzgerald, Kansas City, Kansas USA

As an American in America, I say that every sensible person should be glad that the policies of Bush and Blair have coalesced and consolidated terrorist assaults in the place of most advantage: Abroad in the terrorists' territory, not our homeland -- and against trained soldiers with the best equipment and weapons, not against unarmed innocent civilians.

By every standard, the war in Iraq has been an unqualified success. Only the cowardly and the feeble-minded rationalize differently. There have been such in every war, and may God bless their errant ways.

Adam Bostwick, Seattle, USA

Is this more spin? Can we really believe this story? Have you ever noticed that we see this type of headline whenever the Bush administration wants to change the subject (s) that are currently dominating the headlines?

I must say I have a hard believing this; the timing, especially. How do we know this is not some Joe Blow who has had plastic surgery to look like the actual culprit? Can we really believe anything that comes from our American "intelligence sources"? I am an American, and I don't think we can! The more of this we have to endure, the more we scarcely believe it.

After all the lies that have come from "on high" recently, I guess I will just take this with a grain of salt. Sounds like nothing more than propaganda from the Land of the Free.

B Kay, Butte, United States

According to the Pakistan general on tv , he is not as big as the US press makes him sound . he was not responsible for attacks on Mushraf , (it was AL libby who was )

Nina , Bristol , UK

One more murderer off the street, but I'm sure some of the comments that follow will be sympathtic to the terrorist mastermind. Good night sweet Britian.

Mrs Fearnside, Honolulu, Hawaii

David,

you forget that the enemy would have adapted to what ever circumstances it found so if Iraq was not "available" they would have looked for another avenue from which to attact the west. To think that if Iraq had not been invaded that everything would be wonderful is merely wishful thinking and similar to what went on in the 90's that led to 9-11. One could make a potentially valid argument that if Saddam had not been taken down that he would have shorty escaped from the sactions, which had already been greatly weakened --- see oil for food scandal. At that point Iraq could have become a base for al-Quaeda and worse for the restarting of Saddam's wmd programs all funded by Iraq's oil wealth. Reality is that there is a set of very dedicated people who want to destroy our way of life and a much larger set of people who either suppot them or who will not oppose them. If we do nothing, like we did in the 90's, then all we have to look forward to is 9-11's and 7-7's in spades.

Ron, Simi Valley, USA/California

Hogwash. Al-Qaeda would have only found another excuse to attack the West and base itself out of any other location. Better to keep the fight in Iraq, than in your backyard.

FSB, Bangkok, Thailand

Not that is has anything to do with it, but as an Irishman in America and in all sincerity I am interested in hearing David Irby's reasons for declaring the Iraq invasion idiotic. If not tied up in Iraq, I wonder where the focus of al-Qaeda's current strategy would be. I am fairly confident they would not have been idle. While in Ireland, I would recommend reading some of the excellent work of Dr. Mark Dooley regarding the dangers we all face from this latest assualt from the east.

David Warren, Granite Bay, California

Close Gitmo!

Open more ghost prisons!

Reality Check, Metropolis, USA

David,

If the war with Al-Qaeda wasn't in Iraq, the battle would be in the USA and Europe. So you should thank Bush and Blair for fighting Al-Qaeda's war in the terrorists’ home town. It's very foolish to believe that if Iraq wasn't invaded the terrorist would be peace missionaries.

micaguilar, Los Angeles, CA

Uh, okay David--where would you prefer them congregating? Ireland?

Mary Corbett, alpahretta, ga

David Irby:

Would you rather have London or New York be the central battle front? Fighting them there with trained soldiers doesn't seem all that idiotic.

Mark Surrusco, Warrington, USA/PA

Anyone find it a bit suspicious that the Administration announces a capture from late 2006 the day after Congress votes to stop the war?

How about some real analysis, Sean O’Neill, Tim Reid and Michael Evans. Held in a "ghost prison"?...

More like held for the right PR opportunity. The news media makes me sick.

Eric, Portland, Oregon

Another one down, another 172 down. It may take a while but soon they (al-Qaeda) will not have a succesion of leaders to take the place of those already gone. Keep kicking ass American troops and CIA, al-Qaeda has surfaced enough that we know they are out there now and it is only a matter of time (even if long) that their threat to other human beings is non-existent. There are a lot more good guys than bad, and most of us good guys have personal weapons to help out where needed. Sleep well Bin Laden. Your clock is running also.

AZvet, Tempe , USA/ Arizona

I sure hope they don't put panties on his head, that would be cruel. Maybe they could let him go....





Out the back of a C-130 at altitude over the Alantic.

Snipehunter, Nome, Alaska

"Idiotic Invasion"
Hasn't anyone with any brains figured it out? Lets forget about the whole "WMD" thing for a moment. In fact lets go so far as to say Bush and Blair knew there wasn't any WMD. Invading Iraq makes perfect sense. It gives every knuckle-dragging Mohamed look-a-like a target to go after. Personally, I would rather these low lifes go after our military than innocent civilians. And with the exception of a couple 'relatively' small attacks (in comparison to what they really want to carry out), the tactic has been successful.

Look, even the Democrats who won both houses of congress know it. Why do you think they haven't cut off funding yet. Instead. they try to get a Non-Binding resolution passed saying the U.S. should get out. There simply playing to all the loons on the left. Fact is: most of the Democrats in congress are simply giving lip service to their far left constituents.

Could anyone possible imagine the results of a premature withdrawl from Iraq

Don, Atlanta, US, Georgia

You're welcome. Again.

Eric, Park City, USA

commander of Sctoland Yard’s

typo man, london, uk

Now that the planner for 7/7 has been (supposedly) caught will the UK extradite him? Also could the UK even use US evidence?

Also what is the most he could get in the UK? If he could get worse in the US, would the UK prefer the American's try him?

Jamesh, Den Haag, NL

"Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi, a former major in Saddam Hussein’s army, was apprehended as he tried to enter Iraq from Iran"...

But wait, I thought the left said there was NO connection between Al-Qaeda and Iraq? Little by little, we're beginning to see the left's talking points unravel.

Matrix, Providence,

They would have been attacking the Americans and British even more frequently if the battlefield hadn't been moved to Iraq.

Richard Presley, Tulsa, Ok

From the USA,...Brits & all troops...thanks for all you sacrifices...

Kenny - Bouy, Naples, Fl/USA

good job boys

Spanky, monkey, Bananna

Naturally David, and if America leaves, all the bad guys will just leave also. Right??

Mark, Dallas, Tx, USA

This is awesome and a victory in "the war on terror". Funny how you'd find him somewhere between Iraq & Iran. Great job to the Americans involved!

jeff, Troy, OH

there is no war, this is all about oil,

steve, portland, or

I'm pleased to see that this animal was captured. My condolences to the wonderful people of Britain. This must bring terrible memories of 7/7 to mind. Thank you for doing your part to fight fanatics like these.

Paul, Washington DC, USA

You've got to be kidding. Wasn't Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi also responsible for 9/11?

JesusMuhammadYahweh, Heaven,

As an American in Ireland, I say that, every sensible person should always be glad for every blow against al-Quaeda, such as this and the large-scale arrests in Saudi Arabia. But the two events also point up the advantage and centrality of Iraq to al-Queada's current strategy. And that would never have happened if Bush and Blair had not made their idiotic invasion of that country.

David Irby, Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland