Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - An "alliance" between Christians and Shiites against Sunnis. This is the claim carried in an audiotape released yesterday evening by al Qaida, which claims that there is an anti-Sunni agreement between the U.S. and Iran. The affirmation of the terrorist movement sees "a confirmation" of the conspiracy in last month’s meeting in Yemen between U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and former foreign minister of Iran, Manouchehr Mottaki, in the "Manama Dialogue "on security on the Arabian Peninsula.  

In reality, especially in Iraq, Shiite and Christian communities are the targets of terrorist attacks linked to al Qaida and its not uncommon to see images of Jesus and the father of Shiism, Imam Hussein (pictured) side by side.  Such was the case during the Christmas period and again during a call from religious leaders inviting Christians not to leave the country.

The message of al-Qaida urges Sunnis to "pay attention to the massacres" that "happen in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, while you are unarmed." "Take up your weapons and prepare yourselves before it is too late." "Buy weapons, even if it costs a lot, to protect your religion, your lives and your honour."