Guide Note

Michael Hayden, chief director of the CIA claims that the terrorist organization Al Qaeda in Iraq and Saudi Arabia has nearly been defeated.

On May 29, 2008, Hayden told the Washington Post that major gains have been made against the group and Osama Bin Laden's influence on the Islamic region has lost its ground.

Hayden stressed that capturing Bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri are still a top priority.

He also warned that progress made in Iraq can be undermined by interference from Iran with Tehran training and funding insurgents.

Fast Facts

1. CIA claims it has essentially defeated Al Qaeda
2. Warned that the group still poses a serious threat
3. Warned to be cautious of Iran
4. Wanted: Bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri

• "On balance, we are doing pretty well, Near strategic defeat of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Near strategic defeat for al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia. Significant setbacks for al-Qaeda globally -- and here I'm going to use the word 'ideologically' -- as a lot of the Islamic world pushes back on their form of Islam." - Michael Hayden CIA
• "The ability to kill and capture key members of al-Qaeda continues, and keeps them off balance - even in their best safe haven along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border." - Michael Hayden CIA
• "It is the policy of the Iranian government, approved at the highest levels of that government, to facilitate the killing of American and other coalition forces in Iraq. Period" - Michael Hayden CIA
• Source: The Washington Post