Documents confirm Saddam Hussein government knew Zarqawi headed Al Qaeda cell in Iraq in August 2002

http://www.lauramansfield.com ^ | March 17, 2006 | By Laura Mansfield

[Calpernia]

March 17, 2006: Documents confirm Saddam Hussein government knew Zarqawi headed Al Qaeda cell in Iraq in August 2002

Documents released Thursday by the US government show that less than a year after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, Saddam Hussein’s government had identified at least one active Al Qaeda cell in his country.

Among the Iraqi documents collected by U.S. intelligence during the Iraq war amd released Thursday is a document, released only in Arabic, which the US government describes as follows:

2002 Iraqi Intelligence Correspondence concerning the presence of al-Qaida Members in Iraq. Correspondence between IRS members on a suspicion, later confirmed, of the presence of an Al-Qaeda terrorist group. Moreover, it includes photos and names.

A translation of the document shows that the Al Qaeda terrorist that Saddam Hussein’s government had identified was none other than Abu Mus’ab al Zarqawi, who emerged as one of the leading terrorists in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq.

The document, dated August 17, 2002, identifies the Al Qaeda member as Ahmed Fadil Nizal Al Khalaylah, the real name of Zarqawi, and includes a series of photos of Zarqawi. (See link at http://fmso.leavenworth.army.mil/documents-docex/Iraq/ISGZ-2004-019920.pdf)

A memo within the document shows that as early August 8, 2002, Zarqawi was identified as a member of “Tanzeem al Qaeda”, or the “Al Qaeda Organization”.

This document provides startling documentation that at the very least that Saddam Hussein’s government knew that Al Qaeda was active and functioning in Iraq.

Although the document goes on to outline activities of the group, there is no indication that the Iraqi government took any steps to stop Al Qaeda from operating within Iraq, in clear defiance of international law.

[NeonKnight]

Omar over at ITM has translated another interesting document linking Saddam to AQ. This is just the beginning folks. These docs are going to be coming out in rapid fire.

My guess is that the American public will have a complete paradigm shift before November.

[Calpernia]

I didn't know that. Where did Zarqawi come from? Does it mean something in Arabic?

[NeonKnight]

Darned tags. I hate closing tags.

[SittinYonder]

Thanks eyespy for starting this great pinglist. I especially like your icon ... documents flowing out of an Iraqi building seems very appropriate.

[brazzaville]

Good morning.
"This President does not have that luxury."

That is absolutely true and it highlights the importance of the FreeRepublic.

Michael Frazier

[Calpernia]

OMG. Not only are the bloggers going to bring down the democratic party; but they are going to bring down the MSM!

StillProud, you all should think about organizing! All of you take sections for translating and they daisy chain each other!

[Calpernia]

they = then

[Calpernia]

>>> I especially like your icon ... documents flowing out of an Iraqi building seems very appropriate.

Is that what that was? I thought I left my webcam on and EyeSpy spied my office :))

[Calpernia]

Wow, Omar and Mohammed don't seem too supportive of Iraq.

That is sad.

[NeonKnight]

OMG. Not only are the bloggers going to bring down the democratic party; but they are going to bring down the MSM!

I find it interesting that the administration chose this method of releasing the information. facinating, in fact.

[Calpernia]

I second that thought!

It is actually brilliant. The administration actually handed us something to work with. We now have a part in activily changing our MSM and administration!

[Calpernia]

>>> facinating, in fact.

[NeonKnight]

Wow, Omar and Mohammed don't seem too supportive of Iraq. That is sad.

Huh? Not sure where you got this from. They began their blog being very Pro American. Lately they simply provide information on the political process in Iraq, only occasionally stating their personal opinions.

I email Omar quite often, and I can assure you that they are still greatful for the American effort to overthrow Saddam. Omar and Mohammed actually got to visit the Oval office and shake hands with President Bush last year.

[SittinYonder]

Is that what that was? I thought I left my webcam on and EyeSpy spied my office :))

LOL ... my boss will gladly tell you it's my office ...

[Calpernia]

I didn't read the whole blog site. I skimmed over the splash page and it sounded like they weren't too happy with the Iraqi political process.

That is what I found sad. This was their first election.

[NeonKnight]

I skimmed over the splash page and it sounded like they weren't too happy with the Iraqi political process.

I am not thrilled with the Iraqi political process either. Muqtie is still alive and politically active.

[shield]

Some lefty on Larry King last night said Saddam knew how to control these sects even if it was by terror it worked and he should still be the leader of Iraq. Of course, the USA made a huge mistake by the war on Iraq.

This is what these lefties are saying....I couldn't believe what he said. I couldn't even listen to all he was saying...it just made me sick this kind of crapola is being put out there and these lefties believe it!!!

[Calpernia]

I have their site bookmarked now. I will gladly read them from here on to getting a better understanding of their insights.

Example, I've no idea who Muqtie is. Now I have a place to find out. ;)

[Just A Nobody]

Thanks!

[Coop]

FYI