Al-Qaida deputy chief derides Obama speech

Al-Qaida's deputy leader has criticised President Barack Obama's upcoming speech to the Islamic world in Cairo, saying it will not change the "bloody messages" the US military is sending Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Al-Qaida has repeatedly lashed out at Mr Obama since he was elected, a move some analysts believe indicates the terrorist organisation is worried he will be effective in improving the US image in the Muslim world.