The Stratfor guys are on top of this, They seem positive about this, if it is true, it is the next best to Bin Laden. Like they say, prudence is key in this now.
It is better than Bin Laden, because Zarqawi is their Sr. EVP of Operations.
Even if bin Laden is alive, he is too isolated and not in a position to handle hands-on day-to-day operations.