No Connection...


 


The terrorist who has been in Iraq before the war, has claimed allegiance to Al Qaeda:

BAGHDAD, Iraq  — The most feared militant group in Iraq, the movement of terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, declared its allegiance to Usama bin Laden  on Sunday, saying it had agreed with Al Qaeda over strategy and the need for unity against "the enemies of Islam."

The declaration, which appeared on a Web site often used as a clearinghouse for statements by militant groups, began with a Quranic verse encouraging Muslim unity and said al-Zarqawi considered bin Laden "the best leader for Islam's armies against all infidels and apostates."

The statement, whose authenticity could not be independently confirmed, said the two had been in communication eight months ago and "viewpoints were exchanged" before the dialogue was interrupted.

"God soon blessed us with a resumption in communication, and the dignified brothers in Al Qaeda  understood the strategy of Tawhid and Jihad," the statement said.

See this post for more thoughts on the subject.

Update: Kathy thinks the headline is wrong and the difference matters. That al-Zarqawi is declaring allegiance to a dead Usama bin Laden too. Re-reading, I agree, that he is pledging allegiance to both. As far as bin Laden being dead, I wish we knew the answer to that question, but I bet he is.

Update II: More at InTheBullpen.

Update III: Roger has more that you should read.


Cross-posted at Backcountry Conservative.


Posted: Sunday - October 17, 2004 at 23:35          

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