Tape vindicates Iraq-Qaeda unholy alliance, says US

However, Germany swiftly dismissed US claims that the tape pointed to close links between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Laden’s reference to ‘‘our mujahideen brothers’’ inside Iraq and his appeal to Muslims to prepare for jehad suggested a ‘‘strong statement of alliance’’ between Iraq and Al Qaeda.

‘‘If that is not an unholy partnership, I have not heard of one,’’ he said. ‘‘This is the nightmare that people have warned about, the linking up of Iraq with Al Qaeda.’’

With the US on elevated alert for a possible terrorist attack, CIA Director George Tenet told the US Senate Armed Services Committee that the tape appeared to be trying to help Al Qaeda members, but it was not yet clear whether it was a call to action. ‘‘I believe the tape represents an exhortation to his followers,’’ Tenet said.