Al Qaeda set to launch online magazine

Al Qaeda is promoting the upcoming online release of its first English magazine called Inspire, promising Anwar Al Alwaki, the America-born cleric linked to several terror attacks on the United States, as one of its first guest writers.

According to the Fox News, it is a dangerous move made by the terror group, as it would give Awlaki a new platform to remain in contact with his followers.

Earlier, Awlaki's popular website was taken down after the Fort Hood shooting last November, presumably by the US government.

'Prior to the Fort Hood shooting, Awlaki's followers numbered in the hundreds,' Charlie Allen, former CIA official, said.

Since the Fort Hood shooting, Awlaki has sent out a handful of audio statements or interviews bearing the Al Qaeda logo. In one tape, Awlaki criticised the Obama administration for failing to be transparent because the e-mails between the cleric and the suspect in the Fort Hood attack, Major Nidal Hasan, have not been released.

Meanwhile, Michael Leiter, head of the National Counter-terrorism Centre, said in a two- day conference in Aspen, that Awlaki had a 'direct operational' role in the attempted bombing on Christmas Day.