If the claim by Ayman Al-Zawahri is true, it could further complicate the relationship between the Obama administration and Pakistan. It would also set up a tough decision for President Barack Obama on how to respond in this situation.

al-Zawahri said that al-Qaeda would release 70-year-old Warren Weinstein if the U.S. stops airstrikes on the Middle East and releases al-Qaeda and Taliban members from prisons worldwide.

The U.S. was aware of Weinstein's abduction, but had not said who was resposible. The U.S. has long complained about Pakistan offering a haven to terrorists while Pakistan has not been happy with the allegations or with U.S. military action in Pakistan and across the Middle East.

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