Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Zawahiri tape taunts Pakistanis: "'We have plunged into a war which has no end,' said Qazi Hussain Ahmed, leader of an Islamist coalition that backs Mr Musharraf."

Whether or not the tape is authentic, can there be any doubt that when Colin Powell, two days ago, described Musharraf as a partner in a US "crusade," his purpose was to provoke terrorism or revolt within Pakistan, allowing an expanded US military presence there? 'Crusade' re-enters US lexicon on war Whatever might be said about Bush's use of the word two years ago, Powell is not known for spectacularly ill-considered use of language.