Al-Qaeda No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri said in a videotape aired Monday that President Bush was a "butcher" and a "failure" because of a U.S. airstrike in Pakistan targeting Osama bin Laden's deputy, and he threatened a new attack on the United States.
Al-Zawahri, shown in the video, said a Jan. 13 airstrike in the eastern village of Damadola killed "innocents," and added the United States had ignored an offer from al-Qaeda chief for a truce. "Butcher of Washington, you are not only defeated and a liar, but also a failure. You are a curse on your own nation and you have brought and will bring them only catastrophes and tragedies," he said, referring to Bush. "Bush, do you know where I am? I am among the Muslim masses."
The airstrike hit a building in Damadola, killing at least 13 villagers also were killed in the strike, angering many Pakistanis.
"The American planes raided in compliance with (Pakistani president) Musharraf the traitor and his security apparatus, the slave of the Crusaders and the Jews," al-Zawahri said.
"In seeking to kill my humble self and four of my brothers, the whole world has discovered the extent of America's lies and failures and the extent of its savagery in fighting Islam and Muslims."
In the video, aired by Al-Jazeera al-Zawahri said "My second message is to the American people, who are drowning in illusions. I tell you that Bush and his gang are shedding your blood and wasting your money in frustrated adventures," he said.
"The lion of Islam, Sheikh Osama bin Laden, may God protect him, offered you a decent exit from your dilemma. But your leaders, who are keen to accumulate wealth, insist on throwing you in battles and killing your souls in Iraq and Afghanistan and - God willing - on your own land."
"Your leaders responded to the initiative of sheikh Osama, may God protect him, by saying they don't negotiate with terrorists and that they are winning the war on terror. I tell them: You liars, greedy war mongers, who is pulling out from Iraq and Afghanistan? Us or you? Whose soldiers are committing suicide because of despair? Us or you?" he said.
"You, American mother, if the Pentagon calls to tell you that your son is coming home in a coffin, then remember George Bush. And you, British wife, if the Defense Department calls you to say that your husband is returning crippled and burnt, remember Tony Blair."
