This only proves the relationship in the physical sense. It does not prove "beyond any doubt," however, a working relationship between the Iraqi Governement under SH and al-Qaeda. Not that I care because we had enough reasons to go after SH even in the absence of a relationship with AQ, but really, this proves only that Azmi al-Jayousi received training from an AQ operative -- Al-Zawahiri -- while physically in Iraq. Although the Iraqi government many have been involved, this does not prove it "beyond any doubt." To accept the premise by itself would mean that the United States government was behind the 09.11 attack because many of the hijackers learned to fly airplanes right hear in the CONTUS.
Of course, if the administration HAD continued highlighting Saddam's career as terrorist funder and exporter, the "Bush Lied" stories we hear all the time would be "there's no proof Saddam was behind 9/11". We do hear those, but not that often. They were started as political preemption, should the administration continue to talk about Saddam's terrorism ties.
Also, there would have been a lot of people asking why the administration appears to be protecting terrorist kingpin Yasser, Saddam's lapdog and right hand poodle...not to mention giving aid to his regime of terrorists. Other questions about other individuals would also have arisen.
Let's say you're right, here. What this means is that AQ was operating in Iraq either (1) with Saddam's knowledge/blessing, or (2) under Saddam's nose, and he was powerless/unable/unwilling to stop them.
That is precisely the rationale according to which we invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban government there, you know. Best,