Holy war the path to reform, says bin Laden deputy

In a clear reference to Iraq’s election, a statement purportedly made by Osama bin Laden’s top deputy says holy war, not forged elections, is the only path for reform in Islamic nations.

The written statement, said to have been the transcript of an audio taped recording of a speech by al-Qaida number two Ayman al-Zawahri, appeared on several Islamist internet sites.

“Reform can’t be achieved under governments that have had occupation imposed on them and stage forged elections held under the supervision of the United Nations,” al-Zawahri said. “There is no reform except through holy war.”

It was not immediately possible to authenticate the statement.

Iraq’s Association of Muslim Scholars months ago urged Sunnis to shun the polls because of the presence of US and other foreign troops, while insurgents threatened to kill anyone who voted in the polls, in which Shiites and Kurds turned out in huge numbers.

Islamic militants, led by al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility for numerous suicide bombings and attacks against polling stations on Sunday.