I’ve been saying since the invasion of Iraq that the idea was a sound one and now I have proof – the source of the terror addresses the issue directly.
Two official statements posted on the Web site used by al-Qaida in Iraq urged Muslims to volunteer to fight in Iraq, saying al-Zarqawi’s death should remind them of their “duty” to fight infidels.
“Iraq is the front line of defense for Islam and Muslims. So, don’t miss this opportunity to join the Mujahedeen and the martyrs,” said one signed by Abdullah Rasheed al-Baghdadi, who succeeded al-Zarqawi this year as head of the Mujahedeen Shura Council, the umbrella group that includes al-Qaida in Iraq.
“This is a compulsory duty for all Muslims in these days,” it said.
Here are the keywords to pass to your friends who think we’re in the wrong place:Â Iraq, front line, compulsory duty for all Muslims. What further evidence could you possibly need that a) al-Qaeda is desperate b) al-Qaeda is focused on Iraq, instead of elsewhere, as they would be WITHOUT IRAQ and c) America is stomping the poop out of religious fanatics who want to destroy her (and by proxy all of you people who think the war in Iraq is wrong.)
Yes, there are flaws in the war. Mistakes have been made. There was some bad intelligence. Nevertheless, Iraq has its first freely elected government in modern history – and as far as I know – ever. Is that a bad thing? The U.S. and Iraqi militaries are working closely together and kicking some butt. Is that a bad thing? And let’s be honest – if moderate Islam is going to triumph over radical Islam it is Muslims themselves who will have to reject terrorism. I think most will, because radical Islamists have little to offer.
Give this some time. Iraq is not a quagmire, and we shouldn’t be talking cut and run. Let’s all grow up and walk the hard road together. In the long run, it will benefit both nations.