Shortly after the occupation of Iraq in April 2003, Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi emerged as a leading terrorist in that country. While a number of terrorist organizations are operating in Iraq besides the insurgency movement led by Saddam's former intelligence and loyalist groups, Al-Zarqawi's organization combines terrorist activities with an ardent anti-Shi'ite zeal designed to instigate a civil war between the Iraqi Sunnis and the Shi'ites.
This paper explores Al-Zarqawi's words and actions and his linkage with al-Qa'ida under the leadership of Osama bin Laden. Al-Zarqawi initially operated independently of al-Qa'ida. But recently, bin Laden named him the Amir, or commander, of Al-Qa'ida in Iraq. The meaning of this is not clear. Has bin Laden elevated Al-Zarqawi because of his increasing notoriety and his influence among potential Jihadist elements, hoping to forestall his emergence as the single most important terrorist figure? Or does Al-Zarqawi need bin Laden's endorsement to strengthen his grip on the terrorist activities in Iraq?
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