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January 26, 2006
Iraq: Sunni Insurgents Turning Against Al-Zarqawi
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Six
armed groups in Iraq have tentatively agreed to enter into national
reconciliation talks aimed at ending the insurgency, amid increasing reports of
growing conflict between nationalist-oriented resistance groups and Abu Mus'ab
al-Zarqawi's Al-Qaeda-affiliated movement.
Meanwhile,
there are indications that al-Zarqawi is attempting to diffuse public anger by
remaking his movement, at least in name. Al-Qaeda in Iraq and five other
insurgent groups announced on 15 January the establishment of a Mujahedin Shura
Council, which purportedly aims to unify the ranks of the Islamist jihad
movement in Iraq (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 17 January 2006). The other groups are
the Victorious Sect Army, the Islamic Jihad Brigades, and three previously
unknown groups: the Monotheism Supporters Brigades, the Foreigners Brigades, and
the Fear Brigades.
Since the announcement of the Mujahedin Shura Council, al-Zarqawi has virtually
ceased independent claims of responsibility for attacks in Iraq; all claims of
attacks are now issued in the name of the council.
Radio Free Europe/
Radio Liberty |
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