Al-Qaida books shows internal distress

CAIRO, July 10 (UPI) -- A newly published book by a top al-Qaida commander suggests the terrorist cabal is crumbling under U.S. and Pakistani counter-terrorism efforts, analysts say.

The 150-page "Guide to the Laws Regarding Muslim Spies," translated by the Washington-based Middle East Media Research Institute, says al-Qaida is suspicious about the activity of perceived traitors within its ranks and faltering from U.S. and Pakistani military pressure.

U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said recently "the top priority" for military efforts in the Afghan region was "to defeat al-Qaida."

The book, authored by top al-Qaida commander Abu Yahya al-Libi, blames "Muslim spies" for informing U.S. forces about safe havens and training camps operated by the terrorist organization.

MEMRI analysts say the new tone apparent in the book suggests al-Qaida is at a low point in terms of its viability, al-Arabiya reports.

"In general, al-Qaida speaks in a very triumphant tone but in the new book al-Libi speaks of the group's dire straits and serious problems," said MEMRI's Daniel Lev. "I haven't ever seen this kind of language from senior al-Qaida commanders before."

He goes on to say the suspicion of internal spy activity is a sign of organizational distress.

Al-Qaida's second in command, Ayman al-Zawahiri, wrote the introduction for the book.