New al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri lacks the skills and credentials of the terror network's slain leader Osama bin Laden, a senior US administration official said yesterday.

"He hasn't demonstrated strong leadership or organisational skills during his time in AQ or previously while in the Egyptian Islamic Jihad," the official said, asking to remain anonymous.

Al-Qaeda yesterday named the Egyptian surgeon, and the group's long-time number two, to succeed Bin Laden, who was killed in a May 2 US raid on his compound in Pakistan.

"His ascension to the top leadership spot will likely generate criticism if not alienation and dissention with al-Qaeda," the official said.

He stressed that the 59-year-old has not had any actual combat experience, and had opted instead "to be an armchair general with a 'soft' image". - Sapa-AFP

Under-fire Weiner to resign from Congress

A US politician has decided to resign his seat in Congress after a two-week scandal spawned by lewd and even X-rated photos he took of himself and sent online to numerous women, relieved Democratic Party officials said.

A formal announcement was expected later yesterday.

The furore over the suggestive photos and other revelations about Anthony Weiner has been a distraction for Democrats seeking momentum as they gear up for the November 2012 elections.

Weiner, 46, has been at a treatment facility at an undisclosed location since last weekend, and has not been seen in public since telling reporters last Saturday he intended to return to work.

One official said Weiner, who represents New York, called party leaders on Wednesday to reveal his plans to quit after 14 years in office.