Short of actually accomplishing a task, the next best thing is to say you're really, really close to accomplishing it.
You know Zarqawi doesn’t like hearing it.
It also might prod one of his aides to give him up. If you believe the noose is tightening, the temptation to save your own ass and pocket $25,000,000 in the process is going to pretty damn tempting.
I don't know that it means anything to him. Sounds like empty noise to me.
I don't think Z's "associates" think like that. Money can't buy the glory of martyrdom against the infidels.