The tape's speaker criticized Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt and Jordan for giving U.S.-led coalition forces "services and bases" during the war in Iraq, warning that "the turn will come for Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria and Pakistan" to be invaded by the U.S. and its allies, leaving nothing but Israel.

CNN: Al-Jazeera airs purported al Qaeda message

With the recent influx of better weapons and other foreign aid, the rebels have made major gains in the south, seizing military bases and towns in the strategically important region between Damascus and the border with Jordan, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from the capital.

NPR: Syrian Regime Battles Rebels Outside Damascus

With fresh supplies of weapons from foreign backers, the rebels have recently seized military bases and towns south of the capital in the strategically important region between Damascus and the border with Jordan, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) away.

NPR: Syrian Troops Capture Key Town Near Damascus