Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reports that Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (formerly known as the GSPC) has appointed a certain "Abu Al-Bara'," a native of Tangiers, to its 16-member Shura Council. This is the first time that a Moroccan has served on this body. The appointment took place immediately after the GSPC, which is based in Algeria, changed its name to "Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb."

Source: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, London, February 28, 2007