Zarqawi’s Growing Tensions with Mainstream Sunni Iraqis
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James Joyner | Friday, December 9, 2005 |
Evan Kohlmann points to growing tension between Zarqawi’s al Qaeda in Iraq and ordinary Iraqi Sunnis:
I have obtained copies of pamphlets allegedly being distributed by Al-Qaida’s Committee in Iraq–led by Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi–strenuously urging Iraqi Sunnis to abstain from participation in the upcoming national elections scheduled for December 15. The pamphlets reflect a surprising degree of hysteria on the part of Al-Qaida and growing bitterness towards moderate Sunnis that is not nearly as evident in Zarqawi’s other recent publications and communiques.
He provides several examples.
This is obviously good news. While it’s true that Zarqawi’s thugs have continued their murder spree unabated after previous elections, the fact that everyone concedes that the Sunnis are not going to sit this one out seems to indicate growing legitimacy of the new government and the diminution of same for the terrorists.
About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia.
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Ironically, we may have Zarqawi himself to thank for increased Sunni participation if it does indeed come about.
Is there anything Darth Rove can't do?
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