It's not that simple.
Zarqawi is a free man (or was a free man) because he lives and moves in a world which we do not comprehend. He is (or was) protected by many people, probably including some of our "friends", for reasons which make no sense to us.
However, by shaming his clan and attacking the Head of all Clans (in Jordan), he forfeited his right to live in the world that has been hiding him from us.
Once he is (or was) decloaked, once he had to live in the world that WE live in, his life was measured in hours.
This would be such fabulous news - but for it not to be true would be awful. How many news sites are reporting this? What about DNA?
Anyone have details??
Good point, Jim.
Another take on this is to think Zarqawi's family got word that he was about to be captured or killed and set into motion a preconceived plan to denounce him and his actions, thereby distancing themselves from the wrath that is sure to follow. He might have instructed them to do this for their own protection.