Nothing in the New York Times yet either. It was updated at 9:54 PM

 

I don't know if capture of the "bosses" has any long-term impact on terrorism, Rob. Don't get me wrong, I agree with flts on this too, but I seriously doubt that being captured is one of the things these guys are worried about when they become who they are.

 

Chaz

I don't know whether or not a character like Zarqawi himself has or had any concern about being captured, nor do I care. My point was that his capture will do very little to weaken the terrorist organization or the terrorist activity.

In a traditional war the capture of the leaders goes a long way towards ending the war. The foot soldiers look to the leaders for direction, inspiration and strategy. This war, however, is not a traditional war.

To change the subject slightly, I just checked the New York Times again and there is still no mention of his capture.

 

^ I'll keep looking also...you would think, in spite of the overwhelming coverage of the tsunami, that this would merit a mention if it is true.

 

I havn't heard anything on this yet...must be a false rumor. Like the saying goes...If it sounds too good to be true, then...

 

The intelligence agencies have compared AQ to a hydra. Cut off one head and it will grow back two. That said, I believe that the aid that we are providing to Indonesian at this time will do more to quell future attacks then all the bullets and bombs that we have used to attempt to install our government in Iraq.

 

I agree. That what I've always thought assuming that the money and aid actually goes to where it's needed, and not into the closet of some dictator.

 

I think you're right. After all, Zarqawi picked up the reins when Osama ended up in hiding.

I think it will take a few months for the "succession" to work itself out, though, while the next level of leaders talk it out or fight it out amongst themselves. During that time, the group will be much less effective. From that standpoint, the capture, if true, is nicely timed as it means the Iraqi elections will happen while Zarqawi's group is going through the succession process.

 

Warren, you have a PM from me. Click the top right of your screen where it should say "1 PM".

 

Heh... You've got to go back to the link and read the user comments (did not see any yesterday). Aside from the horrendous spelling, some of them are actually quite entertaining.