It has been confirmed that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, has been killed. I don't know how many of you follow the news, and how intently you may follow it, but Zarqawi was the kingpin in Iraq of insurgent activity, second in importance to only Osama himself.

I normally don't like to post things about the deaths of people I don't like, but I'll make an exception this time.

Any thoughts?

Knowing al-Qaeda, he was replaced before we found out.

Perhaps, but it's unlikely it'll be anyone as talented, as elusive, or as devoted to raising chaos in Iraq.

You know what's really, really ironic? Today, June 8th, is the day that Muhammad died.

hmmm, conspiracy? probably not, but you never know

I bet they'll percieve him as another Muhammad in a few centuries... maybe even a reincarnation... "upheld the precepts of Islam" an updated Koran would say... and who would know?

MUH HAH HAH! TAKE THAT YOU DIRTY LITTLE TERRORIST!

It was all over CNN, Fox News, C-Span.

...Talented? Did you see the video? The guy couldn't unjam his own rifle.

Anyways, I'm glad. Of course, people will still complain, but its great hes gone.

Well, I really don't think he'll be that easily replaced. Maybe he couldn't unjam his rifle, but he was a ridiculously good organizer and ideologue. People who can direct a successful guerrilla campaign are rare, and people with Zarqawi's special sort of charisma and sense of religious righteousness even more so. The violence is by no means over, but I believe this is a step in the right direction.

True. He was a strategist, not a fighter.

This might help; but I don't think it's going to make as big of a difference as some politicians would like us to think. For instance, his death is not going to make the insurgents think twice about fighting the US. Remember, these insurgents are either extreme patriots or extreme zealots; the death of one of their comrades, espescailly on of their leaders, might spur them on. It might help in that their attacks become less planned out and less refined (If Zarqawi was much of a tactician), but I think that the one to take his place would have enough training to get the job done. Really, this means little in the whole scheme of things.

Well im just glad we got another one it means we are one closer to victory

Meh..they showed a picture of the guy after he got blown up or somthin. for some reason i felt like shouting "YOU GOT KNOCKED THE FU** OUT!!" But i held myself back. This should help..but theres always 3rd incharge, and 4th. Its gonna take a while to stop...

Closer yes; but not significantly. This is just one step in a long process which will culminate in the defeat of the insurgents. And even their defeat doesn't mean success in Iraq.

Iraqis want freedom, and as the insurgent force weakens, their desire seems to grow. Hell, it was Iraqi soldiers that found him "dead".

DOn't forget his right hand man, that cleric bloke. He's a real leader; many people in the know on these things think Zaquari was just a figurehead.

Yeah, that guy with the black turban seems to be the real leader (Not Osama... the Iraqi guy...) IMO, this guy was just a moral booster, now they gotta get the actual leaders.

Exactly. The figurehead is gone, so the people behid him can take charge.