| Publication |
2007.
|
| Summary/Abstract |
This essay examines the legend and legacy of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Through his exploits, Zarqawi attained a legendary stature in the global
jihadist movement. His ability to evade capture for three years in the midst
of a massive manhunt in an occupied country is without precedent in
modern military history. By doing so, he developed an aura of invincibility
that kept alive the spirit of jihadism while al- Qaeda was quickly being
dismantled and enabled the organization to be successfully transformed
into the movement of al-Qaedism, which inspired jihadists from around
the globe to converge on Iraq. However, his brutal attacks against the Shi'a
were highly divisive and prevented the development of a truly nationalist
insurgency from taking hold in Iraq as well as undercutting Islamic unity in
the Middle East
|