According to Amir Taheri, Al Qaeda cannot hope to win politically in the Islamic world or military against America; it's hopes are simply to wear down Western resolve, which is an astute strategy.

the Arab terrorist movement associated with the al Qaeda brand knows that it has absolutely no chance of winning power in Iraq or any other Muslim country through normal political means.

More importantly, al-Zawahiri acknowledges the fact that the terrorists have no chance of winning a straight military victory over the U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq. He clearly shows that his only hope of victory lies in the belief that the terrorists could turn American and British public opinion against support for building a new and democratic Iraq.

Al-Zawahiri's entire analysis on that score is based on al Qaeda's single victory so far: the changing of the Spanish government under the pressure of the March 2004 Madrid bombings.

Although its murderous rampage is loud and deadly, it is ultimately a reflection of political and military weakness. The jihadists can only win if the rest of the world loses its will. Unfortunately, there are only a handful of people, including George W. Bush, Tony Blair and John Howard, who are fighting to keep us strong. The UN, EU and American left are content to surrender.

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