Iraqi Terrorists Collapsing
The al Qaeda in Iraq appears to be collapsing, according to documents captured on April 16th. Just translated and released by CentCom, the documents reveal just how bad it has gotten for them. Captain Ed over at Captain's Quarters has a very thorough rundown on the documents, so I won't try to reinvent the wheel. Two main points are important:
The terrorists acknowledge that they have been trying to get media attention. By playing for the cameras they expend their resources in a way that gathers attention, but in reality does little else.
The documents also admit that there are only something like 110 terrorists still alive and operating in Baghdad. That explains the falling number of attacks in recent weeks. They are almost completely spent. That also puts perspective on the messages from bin Laden, Zwahiri and Zarqawi.
Bin Laden called for al Qaeda fighters to deploy to Sudan, now it looks like he was trying to give himself an out when the terrorists finally collapse. He can say they didn't collapse, they redeployed.
Zwahiri focused almost his entire message on Pakistan, again changing the subject away from Iraq.
Zarqawi message sounds like a desperate plea for relevancy in the harsh light these documents cast.
These documents show that the al Qaeda terrorists are rapidly losing the war. Let's not lose the war here at home now.
Blogosphere, War | Gaius May 9, 2006
By SPC C. Flowers, May 9, 2006 @ 8:00 am
Hi:
In case you want to see the complete translation, we have it up at http://www.centcom.mil/sites/uscentcom1/Shared%20Documents/Extremist%20Page/full_translation_done_may_3.aspx
SPC C. Flowers
CENTCOM Public Affairs
By Gaius, May 9, 2006 @ 8:25 am
Yeah, thanks for linking that. I was kind of rushed this morning since I had to get my daughter to physical therapy.