Analysis: Droukdel seeks “new role” at Al-Qaeda

Remarks said by the leader of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb published by New York Times Tuesday show that he wanted to introduce himself as an alternative for Al-Qaeda’s plans and projects as an international organisation, according to observers.

• In his remarks, Abdelmalek Droudkel focused on two points: a promise to target US interests and he represents an African and Maghrebin organisation.
• Observers believe that the New York Times interview comes within “accounts of strategic security expansion in Africa.”
• Security experts say suicide attacks which have rocked Algeria since April 11th 2006 were carried out by the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) and non Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. “Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is no more than the GSPC.”
• US military officials believe that the GSPC adopts Al-Qaeda’s ways in remote controlled bombings and car bombs.