(July 17, 2007)--A new National Intelligence Estimate makes it clear that al-Qaeda in Iraq, which has not yet posed a direct threat to the US, could become a problem here.

The report's findings suggest al-Qaeda will likely leverage its contacts and capabilities in Iraq to mount an attack on US soil.

The dangers that are outlined in the report range from al-Qaeda to Lebanese Hezbollah to non-Muslim radical groups.

It says they pose a "persistent and evolving threat" to the country over the next three years.

But most of the attention is focused on the gravest threat, from al-Qaeda.

The report says that al-Qaeda in Iraq, which hasn't yet posed a direct threat to US soil, could eventually do so.

It describes that group as al-Qaeda's "most visible and capable affiliate."

Reports like these are the most authoritative written judgments of the 16 spy agencies across the US government.

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