Beat it, you ignorant skank. Be Seeing You,
Chris
Posted on 11/20/2005 4:28:32 PM PST by Anti-Bubba182
There are rumors circulating in the Middle East concerning the possible death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The rumors originated with the Elaph Arabic-language Web site, were picked up by the Jerusalem Post and now are alive in several venues.
What is known is that the United States attacked a location in Mosul in which eight individuals were reported killed and burned beyond recognition.[snip...
That al-Zarqawi would be in Mosul, far to the north of Baghdad, is plausible -- an almost constant series of U.S.-led offensives against insurgents in Anbar province have made places like Ar Ramadi, Al Fallujah, and Al Hadithah dangerous for high-value targets like the jihadist network leader. In addition, a fierce and desperate firefight would be characteristic of efforts by his entourage to defend al-Zarqawi. As it became apparent that capture was imminent, it is plausible that al-Zarqawi would choose suicide as an alternative.[snip]...
....[snip] ...[snip]. The last thing the United States is going to do at this point is claim al-Zarqawi's head, only to have to withdraw the claim when a tape by him surfaces. U.S. President George W. Bush can't afford that. Therefore we would not expect confirmation for a while.
The intelligence therefore is this: There are unconfirmed rumors from multiple sources in the Middle East that al-Zarqawi was killed in a raid by U.S. forces in Mosul. This report cannot be verified but it is not, in our view, quite as fantastic as some of the other rumors that have surfaced about his death and those of other jihadists in recent years. Given the timing, it is an intriguing report and we will be watching for other evidence.
(Excerpt) Read more at stratfor.com ...
There may not be much to show if he used a bomb vest.
Waiting for Kennedy or Schummer to criticize Bush for not taking A-Z alive.
But my understanding is that there were only the 8 people there, no reinforcements.
I think there were more. If I can find the link I'll post it but I think the casualties were incurred when the Iraqi's were beginning an assault on the stronghold and those inside blew themselves up.
Officials Say Seven Al Qaeda Members Killed in Iraq [more info]
Unidentified US Intel officer says there's a "30% chance" that al-Z was one of them.
Not much, but better than most of the other guessing going around here today :)
7 AL Qaeda terrorists killed in the 3 hours fierce battle including 3 who blew themselves up. 4 Iraqi policeman were killed and there were US and Iraqi police injuries.
What the pentagon should do is go on the international waves and say that Bin Laden and Zarqawi are dead...if they aren't dead, their ego and pride will make them come out and say something to prove that they are alive...and you know we're just waiting for that :D
i think the administration can afford another oops.
More info:
Officials Say Seven Al Qaeda Members Killed in Iraq [more info]
He's been an indispensable man.
It would be great news if he is indeed gone, but I am sekptical about this.
And part of me would rather capture him, then, after holding him a few days, announce that he is cooperating. How demoralizing would that be to the enemy?
But if he is dead, that is great news.
Ding, dong, the witch is dead.
Maybe we can keep the lips moving, saying (in Arabic) "I support the noble aims of the United States of America in bringing freedom to the people of Iraq."
Maybe we should say we captured him and he is cooperating. Taht could force his own people to confirm his death. And if they don't, it demoralizes the enemy. The proverbial rock and a hard place.
The White House also says there were no WMDS adn there were no connections between Iraq and Al Qaeda, even though we have the evidence of both. So this may actually be an encouraging statement.
Some of these Democrats sound like they would rather have America lose the war than have George W. Bush win it.
The "absence" of Zarqawi will cause chatter among his followers which could lead us to his command chain. Best to say nothing and let them guess.
How about retracting your latest rumor-mongering now that the Bush administration finally admitted there was never any facticity to your fantasy?
Good morning, Cindy...
Beat it, you ignorant skank. Be Seeing You,
Chris
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