The unrest in Syria has provided an opportunity for al Qaeda in Iraq ( AQI ) which according to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper has extended its reach into the war-torn nation . Obama says al Qaeda 's core leadership in Pakistan has been severely weakened . Romney claims al Qaeda branches have spread to almost a dozen countries . *
Obama says al Qaeda 's core leadership in Pakistan has been severely weakened . Romney claims al Qaeda branches have spread to almost a dozen countries . *