Thursday, June 08, 2006
Terminated but not dead
Today BBC World spent its entire half hour broadcast reporting the "termination" of Abu Musab al Zarqawi, the al Qaeda head in Iraq. The terrorist's death came as a blow for white New Balance running shoes and black jump suits, which were Zarqawi's trade mark. Coalition leader U.S. General Casey said Zarqawi was clearly identifed. "There is no doubt it was al Zarqawi," he said. "No one else dressed so tacky."
Most notable about the announcement made by Iraq's new prime minister was the strong U.S. presence. Casey stood on the stage in full battle garb, although he left his M-16 and helmet at the back of the room. Dominating the flags on the stand was the Stars and Stripes. (Where was poor Britain?) The message was clear to all viewers. "You may think you are an independent country, but we still run the show."
Someone is $25 million richer for turning in Zarqawi. In fact, my guess is that Zarqawi had served his usefulness. The Iraqi al Qaeda were short on cash and Zarqawi's image had become tarnished. His last video showed he was unable to clear his gun. Also, strutting his New Balance tenni-runners suggested he was becoming too Westernized. Zarqawi was personally credited for beheading numerous foreigners. Himself a foreigner, it was rumored his head was next to fall. With the $25 million al Qaeda could recruit many more suicide bombers. Zarqawi may be "terminated," but the movement is not dead.
Most notable about the announcement made by Iraq's new prime minister was the strong U.S. presence. Casey stood on the stage in full battle garb, although he left his M-16 and helmet at the back of the room. Dominating the flags on the stand was the Stars and Stripes. (Where was poor Britain?) The message was clear to all viewers. "You may think you are an independent country, but we still run the show."
Someone is $25 million richer for turning in Zarqawi. In fact, my guess is that Zarqawi had served his usefulness. The Iraqi al Qaeda were short on cash and Zarqawi's image had become tarnished. His last video showed he was unable to clear his gun. Also, strutting his New Balance tenni-runners suggested he was becoming too Westernized. Zarqawi was personally credited for beheading numerous foreigners. Himself a foreigner, it was rumored his head was next to fall. With the $25 million al Qaeda could recruit many more suicide bombers. Zarqawi may be "terminated," but the movement is not dead.
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