Zarqawi’s Death Not Likely to Undercut Insurgency in Iraq
Zarqawi’s Death Not Likely to Undercut Insurgency in Iraq
The death of terrorist Abu Marsab al-Zarqawi is unquestionably good news. But there is little evidence that his absence will create a vacuum in the foreign fighter leadership in Iraq. Two points:
1. Zarqawi was replaced as the head of Iraq’s insurgency months ago. Recall the news from earlier this spring that Zarqawi had been replaced as the leader in Iraq by Abdullah bin Rashed Al-Baghdadi (a nom de guerre). Al Qaeda’s Iraq cells had already reorganized before this happened and will readjust again.
2. Al Qaeda’s global leadership was getting sick of their partner in Zarqawi. Last year, Osama bin Laden’s chief deputy Ayman Zawahiri sent a letter to Zarqawi that contained a “striking critique” of Zarqawi’s insurgency strategy. “He comes down like a ton of bricks on what has happened tactically,” one U.S. analyst said describing the letter. Even Iraqis sympathetic with the goals of the insurgency have grown to disapprove of al Qaeda’s actions. Over the last year, there were several instances in which the local population turned on Zarqawi’s followers and attacked them.
In other words, Zarqawi’s star had fallen over the last six months, and there is reason to believe that his falling from favor was a key ingredient in this operation. Someone gave up details on him because they wanted him out.
Of course, this doesn’t change the fact that we should rejoice in today’s news. But we should also be clear in our analysis about what it means for the next steps. There is little evidence of a leadership vacuum in the foreign fighter leadership and cause for serious concern that the current violence in Iraq will not abate.
– Brian Katulis
Sort Comments By: Top Rated | Date
115 Responses to “Zarqawi’s Death Not Likely to Undercut Insurgency in Iraq”
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
The autopsy will probably show that Zarqawi had already died of a heart attack or something natural, and they just happened to have found his body which was then staged it to look like a 'victory'. The Bush Regime has become that desperate...
June 8th, 2006 at 2:32 pmJust like the Mafia.
June 8th, 2006 at 2:34 pm[...] ***FLASH*** Think Progress has posted this line… The death of terrorist Abu Marsab al-Zarqawi is unquestionably good news. [...]
June 8th, 2006 at 2:35 pmgreat points.
But I'm still glad he's gone.
But here is a good question. Why didn't we catch him? I know this was actionable, time-sensitive intel but wouldn't that have been a great case to show off the new government's authority?
http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/06/no_thought_give.html
June 8th, 2006 at 2:37 pmgiven the whole marytr complex in the islamic fundamentalist, catching them for life imprisonment, would be a much harsher punishment in thier minds.
June 8th, 2006 at 2:38 pmYea, but our daily ration of government backed NRE (news ready to eat) says we have them on their heels once again. They wouldn't exaggerate or lie.
June 8th, 2006 at 2:49 pmAnd exactly what are we trying to accomplish by posting this?!?!?!
June 8th, 2006 at 2:51 pmWow. Hindrocket actually believes Zarqawi was a person, rather than a semantic artifact.
And PowerLine laughs at us for believing in "Fitzmas."
The best take, not surprisngly, is on Sploid: "Long-Dead Bogeyman Killed Again"
June 8th, 2006 at 2:51 pmThere is overwhelming evidence of a leadership vacuum in the American leadership and cause for serious concern that the current violence in Iraq will not abate.
50 Ways To Dump The Dubya
June 8th, 2006 at 2:57 pmSo I'm curious, how did the other Zarqawi thread get taken & over-run with the trolls?
I'm not in agreement with hardly anything bushco does, but I don't feel bad this one is dead.
Some folks just seem to need blow up boxing clowns that keep popping up when you hit 'em I guess.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:03 pmOn the criticism of Al Qaeda to Al Zarqawi:
Even Iraqis sympathetic with the goals of the insurgency have grown to disapprove of al Qaeda’s actions. Over the last year, there were several instances in which the local population turned on Zarqawi’s followers and attacked them.
Translation: Al Qaeda criticized him for killing too many Iraqis and not enough Coalition Forces (read Americans). And promoted a substitute leader months ago. That means for me a escalade on attacks on USA targets, now that he is dead.
Just as the Palestinian terrorists: each time Israel military killed a leader of the Palestine insurgence, was born another, fiercer and merciless one, making impossible the peace process for decades now. Good job.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:04 pmkindness,
You know the drill. We are all anti-American terrorist sympathisers, who want the US to lose the war.
Same old bullshit, different subject.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:09 pmIs anyone going to get the $25 million?
June 8th, 2006 at 3:13 pmSpaniard:
Yeah, the bad news now is that now we have to invent yet ANOTHER unstoppable evil mastermind.
...unless, of course, Zarqawi wakes up in the shower and realizes it was all a dream.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:13 pmZARQAWI IS A FICTION AND ONLY EXISTS AS A CREATION OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S PSYOPS CREATORS LIVING IN A CELLAR IN THE WHITEHOUSE
June 8th, 2006 at 3:14 pmAny connection to this event and the abrupt cancellation of a briefing with senators by Kahlilizad and others yesterday? Oh wait - that was yesterday morning. This happened last night, right?
June 8th, 2006 at 3:15 pmas much as i think this site is basically a joke and most the posts are silly as hell (i wont even talk about the irrationality of most comments), this post is refreshingly consise.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:16 pmMarie: "Is anyone going to get the $25 million?" - - I'm guessing Halliburton.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:17 pmAddressing Brian Katulis "brilliant" observations about the "falling star" of Zarqawi - since this is a war, let's kill the rest of the insurgent leaders. How many heads does that evil snake have?? (Oh....six other barbarians were killed with him??? Too bad...)
June 8th, 2006 at 3:20 pmRejoice? I think that's a little glib. I don't rejoice in a man's death, no matter how atrocious a human being he was.
The world's a better place without him -- though, as you point out, probably not significantly better -- but this victory is a somber one, not a joyous one.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:22 pm7 troops got killed yesterday so wont make much difference
June 8th, 2006 at 3:23 pm1 person at the top has ten underneath him so now theres ten to get
The only thing silly about this event, or the comments on TP, is that the right thinks killing one person will do anything at all in an all-out free-for-all. Keep dreaming
June 8th, 2006 at 3:25 pmI definitely rejoice that he is gone. The guy was a butcher.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:27 pmThis may or may not make any difference in Iraq. It is an important
psychological victory though. About time we got another big fish.
Kieth,
the right needs something to be jubilant about, they are taking a beating in so many other ways. I seem to remember much the same reaction from the right when Iraq's went to the polls and voted. Alot of bush was right, Iraq will be democracy, and a beacon for the middle east. All you liberals want our troops to die etc.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:28 pmZarqawi was a guppy.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:30 pmHmm, Hey do you guys think, maybem that they tuned him in to get rid of him, and to make some money for more arms?
That would fit right into Wacko World. =)
June 8th, 2006 at 3:31 pmI don't know - I suppose there's not much point in TP jumping on this so early.
The dude is blown to bits - good riddance. At minimum he was one evil SOB. If there's some chance Iraq can cull some optimism from this, even if BushCo gets to use it to their advantage, I'm not going to be disappointed. At the end of the day a stable Iraq is in our best interests. Perhaps I'm naive in being hopeful, so be it.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:34 pmAll you liberals want our troops to die etc.
Are you being sarcastic?
Many of my family has served, They were Democrats, and they all worked hard for a living.
What are you saying?
June 8th, 2006 at 3:34 pmThat my family served our country so they could watch troops die?
Honestly, rename this site Think Conspiracy so you can get even more nonsense.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:35 pmOh I see My Bad Krazny.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:36 pmSorry =)
Apply what I said to the radical righties.
I was being sarcastic mesell, read the previous post about Zarqawi. I know it has close to 500 posts, but the main troll topic is how the liberals are mourning the death of a terrorist.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:37 pmHonestly, rename this site Think Conspiracy so you can get even more nonsense.
Comment by Michael Bird — June 8, 2006 @ 3:35 pm
Why you plan on posting a lot?
June 8th, 2006 at 3:39 pmHonestly, rename this site Think Conspiracy so you can get even more nonsense.
----------------------------
You think that Saddam didnt get turned in for CASH??
You think that 21 billion gone missing in IRAQ hasn't found it's way into the wrong hands?
Thats not a Conspiracy at all.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:40 pmThats INCOMPETENCE.
Theres something the matter with the photo of Zarqawi to be hit by 2x500lb bombs
youd expect the body to be dismemberd also more cuts to the face ...
now look at the picture of him on Ogrish he is dirty and blood spots on his face on yet he is on a white towel ???.... yet on Yahoo picture he is on the ground yet clean ??
why was he not taken alive with his suicide belt ??
why did his suicide belt not blow up ??
I think he was captured alive and tortured maybe maybe its a doppelganger
June 8th, 2006 at 3:43 pmYou think Saddams Sons didn't get turned in for money?
June 8th, 2006 at 3:43 pmBird?
Brian,
That very much appears to be the case. His time had come. In essence, he was Tommy (Joe Pesci) walking into that room in "Goodfellas," thinking he was going to be made, but was then unceremoniously whacked. Of course, this administration will attempt to squeeze every droplet from this success. What others does it have to showcase?
It will be interesting to see if the mainsream media exults their leader. Wouldn't be surprised if Chris Matthews, having previously compared Bush to Atticus Finch and Abraham Lincoln, likens him to Churchill for this one.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:43 pmI was being sarcastic mesell, read the previous post about Zarqawi. I know it has close to 500 posts, but the main troll topic is how the liberals are mourning the death of a terrorist.
I corrected myself Krazny, Post above yours, thanks.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:44 pmnot a problem Messel, I posted my response, before I saw your response. =)
it happens.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:46 pmWouldn’t be surprised if Chris Matthews, having previously compared Bush to Atticus Finch and Abraham Lincoln, likens him to Churchill for this one.
Comment by MediaBloodhound — June 8, 2006 @ 3:43 pm
Good one!
June 8th, 2006 at 3:47 pmWhy would a Democrat Mourn the loss of Zarqawi?
Hell Bush and Cheney are the ones mourning the loss.
Look at how much the Fascist Pigs stand to lose now that 'one of their boys' is gone.
Yeh, Zarqawi, we will find out later, will be another "Tim Osman"
Another one of Reagans 'Boys' err Terrorists.
Bush will really be mourning the loss of that Political GOLD MINE.
Right Bird?
June 8th, 2006 at 3:47 pmRight!
On another note, find out why The New York Times thinks Katherine Harris' joke Senate bid is more important than the theft of millions of our soldiers' personal records:
http://www.mediabloodhound.com
June 8th, 2006 at 3:47 pmWhat, exactly, makes Zarqawi more of a criminal than Bush?
June 8th, 2006 at 3:48 pmThat we're Americans?
That we're imperial colonialists instead of freedom fighters?
That we're motivated by democracy, Halliburton, Israel, and oil instead of Islam and invasion?
That he cuts off prisoner's heads when we merely slowly torture them to death when we aren't murdering women and children?
Just where is the good and the bad in all of this?
Every death is a defeat, of conscience, morality, loving kindness, and civility.
Tell me Mr. BIRD, why would my family, my brother, my uncle, my father, his father all serve our country? \
So we could Mourn Zarqawis Death?
What are you stupid, Nefarious, or just one of then Anne Coulter lying sacks of human waste?
WTF is wrong with you BIRD??
Are you that Gullible? Or do you just Hate America?
June 8th, 2006 at 3:53 pmWhy aren't you serving?
Of course this won't do anything to the war in Iraqw. The Bush administration will just find some other bad guy terrorist in Iraq and say that they can't leave until he's dead. This is nothing. I still think Zarqawi was a BA creation.
http://www.sunstateactivist.org
The latest on the death of al-Zarqawi. Is it really a big deal? Give us your opinion:
Plus,
SSA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA U.S. REP. JIM DAVIS:
SSA asks Davis about everything from ol drilling to gay marriage.
Exclusively on SSA!!
http://www.sunstateactivist.org
June 8th, 2006 at 3:54 pmIf it were possible to measure the effects of this very small victory on the goal of a democratic Iraq down the road, it would be heavily and hugely outweighed by,torture,unjust imprisonment,civilian casualties,and civilian crimminal murder etc.. Way to focus on the propper goals Rightwingers. Hearts and minds,remember?
June 8th, 2006 at 3:54 pmHere is How much of a Liar, that CHICKEN HAWK Anne Coulter IS;
When contacted by Raw Story, however, Redeemer Presbyterian's Communications and Media Director Cregan Cooke could not confirm that Coulter had ever attended services at the church.
"The only thing I have heard is hearsay that she is an attender" of Redeemer, Cregan told Raw Story. "Our database shows that she is not a member."
Cregan added that wealthy celebrities routinely asserted a dubious connection to his congregation. "People from Robin Williams to Diane Sawyer have claimed to attend services here but don't actually know if they have. And I don't know anybody that would have seen Ann Coulter. We don't really know her."
June 8th, 2006 at 3:57 pm---------------------------------------------------
And you Mr Big Bird Believe this CRAP?
Sounds like BUSH and the National Guard.
What a loser Anne Coulter is.
Every death is a defeat, of conscience, morality, loving kindness, and civility.
Comment by RealityCheck — June 8, 2006 @ 3:48 pm
Excellent post.
Only the monsters who could celebrate war can dignify what should be shame. Shame tha twe are killing thousands of innocent people. And then they have the audacity to say that 'god is on their side while they fight the good fight. Hypocrites and sociopaths find 'good' in unnecessary wars.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:57 pmAnne Coulter and Rush Limbaugh will tell you BIRDS anything just so you will buy their chicken hawk propaganda.
June 8th, 2006 at 3:59 pmYou have made them wealthy MR Bird, Not US.
Anne has Lied and Lied And Lied...
And she will LIE more, and you dopes will buy it.
Until such time as you folks can get your heads out of your asses and stop babbling about celebutantes such as Zarqawi and Ann Coulter, the progressive movement might as well flush itself down the toilet. The two aforementioned "stars" have nothing to do with what is actually going on in the world and as long as the MSM can distract you with silly buzz...well...
June 8th, 2006 at 4:01 pmThe death of Al Zarqaui satiates the revenge thirst.
June 8th, 2006 at 4:04 pm45# I totally agree
I would rather be captured by Zarqawi alive than Bush ????
at least Zarqawi would give me a quick death
Bush would place clingfilm over my head strap me to a board and tip the board 90 degrees until my head was under the water It would feel like I was drowning but no water would enter my lungs cause of the clingfilm, I would pass out
Then I would be revived only to let this happen again and again
As well as many other tortures that would last for 4-5 years
Bush is far sicker than Zarqawi
Also Zarqawi does not shoot mothers with babies in their arms and 76 year old men like haditha and many more
Zarqawi would not go into hospitals and destroy all the medicines
June 8th, 2006 at 4:04 pmI would be a lot happier if that was Bush in the photos
June 8th, 2006 at 4:07 pmI would be able to drink a pepsi again and buy American goods
The two aforementioned “stars†have nothing to do with what is actually going on in the world and as long as the MSM can distract you with silly buzz…well…
Comment by purvis ames — June 8, 2006 @ 4:01 pm
Why don't you start a discussion as to what you would like to discuss rather than be condescending?
June 8th, 2006 at 4:07 pmThe two aforementioned “stars†have nothing to do with what is actually going on in the world and as long as the MSM can distract you with silly buzz.
Well Spill it. I want to hear.
June 8th, 2006 at 4:10 pmas much as i think this site is basically a joke and most the posts are silly as hell (i wont even talk about the irrationality of most comments), this post is refreshingly consise.
Comment by Chase — June 8, 2006 @ 3:16 pm
Y'know, a closeted gay friend of mine once used a similar line when caught walking into a gay bar: "I just came in here to make fun of them . . ."
We know and understand - and forgive.
June 8th, 2006 at 4:12 pmYeh that Fatty Bin Laden must be on the oprah diet.
He gets big then little.
Then he gets young then old
Then he loses grey hair then gains it back.
Then his skin color darkens then lightens
Why Michael Jackson is Jealous I tell ya!
June 8th, 2006 at 4:13 pmOkay, let's discuss (briefly) the two "stars". Zarqawi is a creation of the Pentagon psyops department and there is plenty of evidence he was killed years ago. Even if it were the "real" Zarqawi, who cares? I doubt if the insurgency gives a damn. They probably set him up for being an annoying pest. As for Coulter, she has the entire frothing at the mouth left to thank for driving her asinine book up to number one at Amazon. Nuff said?
June 8th, 2006 at 4:20 pmSo this will embolden this administration to strut around saying that we are winning the occupation of Iraq(remember its not a declared war...never was) and the maiming and killing will continue thousands of miles from our shores while us Americans watch all this on our TVs eating our dinners with our families with electricity and clean water and wonder why the rest of the world distrusts and hates us. Don't fool yourself its not envy they feel. Ahh...but we are the greatest country in the world right? I just can' figure out what we are so great at lately.
June 8th, 2006 at 4:21 pmmighty,
June 8th, 2006 at 4:23 pmYou've got some nerve saying "let's kill" like you were God or something.
uggg................. zarqawi dead...goooodyumyum...ug.......throw stick up high.....ya
June 8th, 2006 at 4:27 pmFather of beheaded man blames Bush, not Zarqawi
PHILADELPHIA - Michael Berg, whose son Nick was beheaded in Iraq in 2004, said on Thursday he felt no sense of relief at the killing of the al Qaeda leader in Iraq and blamed President Bush for his son's death.
Asked what would give him satisfaction, Berg, an anti-war activist and candidate for U.S. Congress, said, "The end of the war and getting rid of George Bush."
June 8th, 2006 at 4:30 pmWatch for the Swift Boating of Michael Berg, if it hasn't happened already.
Neocons are so good at hating. . . it's what they're all about. When you get down to the core of every thing that they do or say, it involves demeaning or destroying someone.
June 8th, 2006 at 4:35 pm#59:
Barfly and gay bars-who'da thunk it ?
June 8th, 2006 at 5:10 pmBarfly and gay bars-who’da thunk it ?
Comment by sardonic — June 8, 2006
Anyone who'd never seen the movie, I guess.
Perhaps if I posted as "Bill Blake?"
June 8th, 2006 at 5:15 pm#72;
What movie?
June 8th, 2006 at 5:21 pmWas this a friend,or are you quoting a movie?
#54 - "Bush is far sicker than Zarqawi...Zarqawi would not go into hospitals and destroy all the medicines " - Comment by Tobey Tall
*****Dear To Be Tall - YOU are such a CLEVER and WONDERFUL contributor here at Think Progress. Your intelligently progressive posts shine a revealing spotlight on the unique value of progressive/socialist ideology. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!
June 8th, 2006 at 5:42 pmSince the Bush Regime will not let an independent coroner examine the supposed body of Zarqawi, we may never know if it is actually Zarqawi's body or someone else? Nor will we know how the person actually died > by a recent US bombing or the body was in a refrigerator for a few months killed by a shot to the back of the head? The guy was a CIA operative, so it's like a mafia hit man got taken out by another hitman?!
June 8th, 2006 at 5:46 pmBarfly---I've seen your work before,it seems you have 'gay' on the brain.
June 8th, 2006 at 5:47 pmYou should be proud that you're a rug muncher.
Zarqawi, dead? Well, now we have to make one with fangs, a really crazy look, two rifles instead of one, grenades everywhere in his body, maybe we can make it a black guy and, yes! he supports abortion and gay marriage. That would really scared the shit out of americans.
June 8th, 2006 at 5:54 pmAs TP notes, previous reports show the real al-Qaeda being none too enthusiastic about Zarqawi's tactics. With that and the fact that Zarqawi's group was never actually proven to be operationally linked to al-Qaeda, and that someone from the inside turned him in, would it be outlandish to think that we have effectively done bin Laden's bidding on this?
June 8th, 2006 at 6:02 pmOf course Michael Berg and Cindy Sheehan need to blame George Bush for the deaths of their beloved sons. Poor Mr. Berg blames not his son's vicious murderer, but the President. He applauded his son's "business foray" into the dangerous entrepenuerial world of Baghdad. And to REALLY get even with the "evil"George Bush, he'll try to pole-vault on top of his son's casket into the House of Representatives. (And before progs work themselves into a lather over my observation of Mr. Berg, when he interjects himself into a foreign policy debate, it is perfectly acceptable to disagree or criticize his assertions.)
But someone asked - why is this thread necessary? This thread is VITAL to progs to dismiss ANY good news, on any front.
June 8th, 2006 at 6:29 pmI wouldn't be so sure, targeted assasination has proven to be a very effective tactic as used by the Israelis against Hamas - why it put an end to Hamas terrorism almost overnight.
June 8th, 2006 at 6:30 pmMA,
your description of Michael Berg comes as no suprise, I could see the attack pattern of the right long before you interjected anything. Funny how only the right is supposed to use the war dead for political ambition. Kind of like Bush using the WTC to launch a war against Iraq.
How is Ann's new book? I would think it must be required reading for you.
June 8th, 2006 at 6:36 pmThe Bush administration has been telling us for months that this guy is a joke. Showing us video of him using a gun improperly. Sharing messages from the real al Qaeda that he needs to tone it down.
How does that jive with the big show today about us killing a major guy in Iraq?
Wouldn't it suck if the guys who provided the intel were actually part of the real al Qaeda organization and we just gave them another $25 million to carry on with their work?
June 8th, 2006 at 6:47 pmComeone Guys lets be fair
The death of Zarqawi was a victory, though it would have been preferable to cature him alive and aqueeze as much intell ut of him.
Nonetheless it provides a booat to moral, (some good news) and robably a short breathing space.
I don find it IRONIC thou that Zarqawi made his video the TAUNT the US which had earlie announched hes death. Only this time hes video gave away hes location and lead to hes death.
June 8th, 2006 at 7:07 pmDon't even bother answering unmighty aphid. It just attacks other posters and really adds nothing to the dialog. It is nothing more than an Ann Coulter wannabe.
June 8th, 2006 at 7:14 pmDear Krazy - I haven't had an opportunity to read Ann's new book "Godless". (It does look like fun summer reading, though!) I would not be critical of Michael Berg if he blamed the murderer. His politics are his business - but he's not immune from criticism of that politics because of the personal tragedy he uses in discussing those views.
Dear b-lying - the world of "rightwing" hate??? The most hateful, petty, people I have EVER met were hard-core leftists.
1.) Michael Bergs son went to Iraq on an entrepenuerial adventure - sadly and horribly - he lost. Casey Sheehan volunteered twice - his poor mother is having to re-make her entire life to fit "the cause".
2.) I criticize Mr. Bergs assertions and actions. He is not the ONLY one allowed to critique. He reminds me of the "9/11 Widows for Kerry".
June 8th, 2006 at 7:17 pmThen:
The LA Times reports today that Zarqawi’s al-Qaeda group in Iraq is growing in influence and support, primarily because it has begun attracting a large number of Iraqi nationals to its organization:
WHat a joke. How long do they think the the general public will continue to believe their lies. These terrorist organizations are not losing steam, they are getting stronger. We have either got to send in massive amounts of troops and take control of Iraq, as was finally done in New Orleans or we have to get the hell out of there.
Staying the course is not working.
Comment by Spudge-Boy — September 16, 2005
Now:
In other words, Zarqawi’s star had fallen over the last six months, and there is reason to believe that his falling from favor was a key ingredient in this operation. Someone gave up details on him because they wanted him out.
Just like the Mafia.
Comment by Spudge_Boy — June 8, 2006
SB, my brothers in Task Force 145 appreciate you support.
Not.
Looks like we'll be voting republican again.
June 8th, 2006 at 7:18 pmI guess its safe to say that the Sunni's and Shiites will stop fighting and killing each other now.
Yeah right, these freaks have more blood on their hands than Zarqawi could ever dream of having.
More people are killed by the sectarian war than the so-called war on terra.
360 billion dollars spent on a fued among religious freaks.
What a waste.
June 8th, 2006 at 7:31 pmyou ALL need to see and listen to this:
Michael Berg on CNN: Not what Soledad expected
The father of one of Zarqawi's most brutal murders- Nick Berg, (it has been attributed to him) was on American Morning today to give his reaction to the news that Zarqawi is dead.
wow...
June 8th, 2006 at 7:33 pmThanks for that katy. Michael Berg has also stated that he doesn't believe the story the FBI gave him about Nicks death. Nor does he believe the video of Nicks death to be authentic.
The video was long ago proven to be a hoax. Most people, myself included did not examine the videio closely as it was too brutal. Soon after viewing it, it was no longer available to the public to scrutinize.
June 8th, 2006 at 7:50 pmhttp://www.juancole.com/2006/06/zarqawi-killed-in-baquba-prime.html
...There is no evidence of operational links between his Salafi Jihadis in Iraq and the real al-Qaeda; it was just a sort of branding that suited everyone, including the US....
June 8th, 2006 at 7:50 pmyou're welcome, Stupid R... i didn't know all that about the video... interesting...
sorry to be off topic, all else, but SR, i left a condolence message for you last night - haven't been back there to check on it... sorry about your losing your best friend, a beautiful dog too, by the pictures... but, i have to ask - are YOU the "debtonator"?
June 8th, 2006 at 7:59 pmThen:
uhm…zaraqawi is a cia myth…
Comment by Geoff — September 16, 2005
And all of those beheadings and indiscriminant murders were a myth, too.
Nope, he's not a myth. He's dead.
June 8th, 2006 at 8:02 pmb-lying - Thank you for correctly noting that many on the Left view government as "daddy". Pathetically, the left realizes a "What can you do for me entitlement program - and WHY can't you do MORE?" is a cohesive message for the less-than-motivated.
June 8th, 2006 at 8:04 pmThen:
Arguing about Zarqawi is nonsense. First of all, he doesn’t exist; he’s just a sort of Fu Manchu the administration cooked up to make the Al Qaida tie-in. Secondly, even the major proponents of the war have finally been forced to admit that the vast majority of the insurgents are Iraqis, not so-called “foreign fighters.â€
Comment by purvis ames — September 27, 2005
Uhh, the Prince of Al Qaeda did exist...until we killed him.
June 8th, 2006 at 8:05 pminfinite reach - please read the story linked at #93...
June 8th, 2006 at 8:09 pmWe are the best trained and equiped military in the world. No thanks to liberal democrats. We're not in the military because of the money.
June 8th, 2006 at 8:16 pmZarqawi:
"It is our hope to accelerate the pace of work and that companies and battalions
with expertise, experience, and endurance will be formed to await the zero hour
when we will begin to appear in the open, gain control the land at night, and
extend it into daylight, the One and Conquering God willing. We hope that this matter, I mean the zero hour, will come four months or so before the promised
government is formed. As you can see, we are racing against time. If we are
able, as we hope, to turn the tables on them and thwart their plan, this will be
good. If the other scenario happens - and we seek refuge in God - and the
government extends its control over the country, we will have to pack our bags and break camp for another land in which we can resume carrying the banner or in which God will choose us as martyrs for his sake."
Zarqawi has broken camp and headed to another land called hell. And liberals have lost another ally in their struggle to defeat the Iraq government.
June 8th, 2006 at 8:27 pmLes Aspin:
"The thing that really drives the defense budget now is the regional threats. We still have people like Saddam Hussein. We still have bad guys which have military capability. And we need to have the capability in the United States military to be able to deal with those people. There's about a half a dozen of them. You all can think of the same people: Libya, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, etc."
I said liberal democrats, not moderate democrats. And yes, Bill Clinton recognized that Saddam was a threat.
June 8th, 2006 at 8:36 pm"What, exactly, makes Zarqawi more of a criminal than Bush?
That we’re Americans?
That we’re imperial colonialists instead of freedom fighters?
That we’re motivated by democracy, Halliburton, Israel, and oil instead of Islam and invasion?
That he cuts off prisoner’s heads when we merely slowly torture them to death when we aren’t murdering women and children?
Just where is the good and the bad in all of this?
Every death is a defeat, of conscience, morality, loving kindness, and civility.
Comment by RealityCheck"
Sheesh!! Where do I begin? Well, a good place to start is to say that I got a warm fuzzy when I got the news that Zarqawi was on his way to enjoying his virgins. Good for him. I started reading and posting on this page while I was in Fallujah last year. I lean pretty far to the right and do not blindly follow repubs. They have left conservatism far behind on most things the last few years. This page was good for a laugh most days and on other days there was good information on here. The vast majority of those who visit here are nutty libs, but you RC are in a different atmosphere of liberal wacko. Most nutty libs are fun to read because of their blind hatred of Bush. It makes them sound so foolish and they don't even know it. Very funny, indeed. For the love of Bert and Ernie, RC, get a grip. "Every death is a defeat..."???? .... "Just where is the good and the bad in all of this?"???????
Those comments are so outrageously stupid, I can't even respond. And stupid means you knew better and did it anyway. Ignorance would be an excuse, but I can't believe you actually believe what you posted. Good luck to you, though. And lighten up for crying out loud.
Stubain
June 8th, 2006 at 8:36 pmGood to see you are still stirrin' the puddin' in here mighty aphrodite . I have not posted in a while. Take it easy.
Stubain
June 8th, 2006 at 8:42 pm#111 Very interesting contributions, Stubain. Yawwwwn.
June 8th, 2006 at 8:44 pmTo me, he’s just another nutjob like the rest of you extremists...
Us extremist? The ones who defend the constition and your freedoms? Maggot.
June 8th, 2006 at 8:51 pmAs usual, b-lying you're wrong - but if you were not I would be forced to think there was a poser standing in for you... GI and VA benefits are a grateful nation saying "thank you". A nation does not need to be grateful to support six illegitimate children by six "drive-by" fathers. You probably don't recognize the difference, but our military personnel are the BRAVE ones.... (with the exception of the left's latest traitor....)
June 8th, 2006 at 8:55 pmI understand Stubain, my kids like fairy tails with pleasing endings too so they can feel all warm,snuggley and safe from the boogey man at night.
June 8th, 2006 at 8:59 pmget yer jammies on and brush a couple of teeth.
night,night sweetheart.
Now, his name is probably a rallying cry for the men that hated him, too. Talk about insurgent flexiblilty.
June 8th, 2006 at 9:00 pm#114 MightyTeabagger
It's my understanding it's a half-hearted "thank you." I would like to see our country take much better care of veterans than we currently do. I have had the opportunity to hear and see first hand how barely adequate, and often inadequate veterans' services are.
June 8th, 2006 at 9:04 pmInfinite Reach
June 8th, 2006 at 9:15 pmYou misquote me again and I'll find out who you are and drown you in spam.
Lets see Marines or Muslims which ones do you think will get the virgins’?
June 8th, 2006 at 9:47 pmI wonder why this thread has gone silent tonight?
June 8th, 2006 at 10:42 pmYou know, I hate how cynical this administration has made me. I hate that I can only think that the reason that Zarquawi was very killed was because Bush's ratings are on such a steep skid. I hate that I can only think without an Iraq war there would be no Zarqawi. I hate that I'm going to see this pompous ass who stole his presidency now has a reason to look smug, not that anything ever stops him from looking smug. I think I not only hate what this Administration has done to our country, I hate what it's done to me.
June 8th, 2006 at 11:15 pmPost 127 > I do hope the Bush lover trolls have shot their wads > lol.
June 9th, 2006 at 12:04 am# 128: Jack---Well said.
June 9th, 2006 at 2:18 amBarfly—I’ve seen your work before,it seems you have ‘gay’ on the brain.
You should be proud that you’re a rug muncher.
Comment by sardonic — June 8, 2006 @ 5:47 pm
You flatter me. Perhaps you can post "my work" to show me how I've got "gay on the brain?" Otherwise, you're just a sad little twit, y'know?
I have munched a few in my time; but don't tell my wife, sardonic (nit)wit.
June 9th, 2006 at 3:54 amWhat movie?
Barfly.
Was this a friend,or are you quoting a movie? Comment by sardonic — June 8, 2006 @ 5:21
"Bill Blake" is a character in a movie that I like; Barfly with Mickey Roark. It is a movie about a down-and-out poet named Henry Chinasky, who when asked his name by a private dick in one scene, uses the name "Bill Blake" (meaning the poet William Blake) to throw him off. No gay references, sorry to dissappoint. My gay anecdote has nothing to do with my nickname.
June 9th, 2006 at 4:02 amWe have lost so many good people in a few year Gandhi, Princess Diana, John Lennon and now Zarqawi
June 9th, 2006 at 5:05 am"We have lost so many good people in a few year Gandhi, Princess Diana, John Lennon and now Zarqawi "
What? Zarqawi good? No way, although he doesn't seem to have been an important person.
June 9th, 2006 at 6:01 amBarfly--Try a new name,one that doesn't connote women who hang out at bars.
June 9th, 2006 at 10:52 am#121,
Doesn't look like you were misquoted. See comment #54 here:
http://thinkprogress.org/2005/09/16/mixed-messages-from-iraq/#comments
June 9th, 2006 at 10:52 amIn response to "stubain" (which I believe is misspelled, it should be "stupid")
I noticed in your response to "reality check" you started out with "sheesh, where do I begin". How about answering the questions, which I noticed you did/could not.
What, exactly, makes Zarqawi more of a criminal than Bush?
That we’re Americans?
That we’re imperial colonialists instead of freedom fighters?
That we’re motivated by democracy, Halliburton, Israel, and oil instead of Islam and invasion?
That he cuts off prisoner’s heads when we merely slowly torture them to death when we aren’t murdering women and children?
Come on, I dare you!!
June 9th, 2006 at 3:38 pm#127
I noticed that the condition of women in Iraq is actually worse now than under Saddam.
News from Iraq, June 2000. Saddam Bans Women From Working.
...and it was acceptable for husbands to kill their wives. You know nothing about how women were treated by Saddam. Never mind the torture and rape.
Maybe you should use a source other than that Saddam apoligist, Terri Judd.
"The rights of women in Iraq are going down the drain, along with everything else. Iraqi women made great strides in Iraqi public life in the 1960 and 1970. During the Iraq-Iran war, the number of working women increased, as men were sent to the war front and many widows had to support families. Since 1991, however, the situation of Iraqi women has deteriorated rapidly.
The first blow against their rights came in the mid 1990s, when Saddam decreed that "honor killings" were acceptable and men who killed their womenfolk would not be prosecuted. In 1998, Saddam ordered all women secretaries working in government agencies be dismissed. Now there are new laws baring women from work altogether.
According to Al-Hayat, June 15, 2000, Saddam has decided that women should stay home, and not engage in work outside the home. This is now law, and ministries have been ordered to put these restrictions on women into practice. According to Saddam, making women stay at home is better socially and economically. One reason he gave is that "women spend more on clothing and shoes when they have to work outside the home. Keeping women at home gives the highest meaning to humanistic values."
June 9th, 2006 at 10:48 pm#138- And what has BushCo done to change things? They have been running the show since 2003. Apparently they don't care about women's rights, in ANY country, not just Iraq. Saddam isn't the "Decider" in Iraq anymore. If the new "democratic" government of Iraq doesn't care either, who will you be blaming then? So many to choose from. And how are women's rights progressing in Saudi Arabia? You know, the Bush family has a long relationship with the Saudi Royal family, a friendly one too! GWB holds hands, and even kisses them! Isn't that sweet?
June 10th, 2006 at 7:16 amSomeone gave up details on him because they wanted him out.
No, it was the $25 million.
And no recognition of Task Force 145 from TPJUDD. What do expect from someone who makes a living blood libeling and smearing our military.
June 10th, 2006 at 3:54 pm[...] To help you understand this line of thinking, let’s go back in the near past (h/t to Think Progress on this one): Jordanian-born al Qaeda militant Abu Musab Zarqawi has been replaced as head of the terrorist organization in Iraq in a bid to put an Iraqi figure at the head of the group’s struggle, said a leading Islamist. [...]
July 2nd, 2006 at 2:28 pm