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Length: 3:15
PAULA ZAHN: More now on
the connection between al-Qaeda and Abu Musab
al-Zarqawi from correspondent Michael Ware, who has
been covering the war in Iraq from the start as
"TIME" magazine's bureau chief. He joins us now,
because he's one of our guys from there. So, Michael,
you have tracked very closely the movements of
Zarqawi over the last couple years you have been in
Iraq. What do you think is going to become of the
insurgency now?
MICHAEL WARE, BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF, "TIME": Well,
there is going to be an evolution, clearly. This is a
watershed of some degree, firstly, within his
organization. We have seen more and more Iraqis
taking leadership roles within Zarqawi's al-Qaeda in
Iraq. That's sure to have a change. We will now see
if they step up and assert their authority, or if
another foreigner is appointed to the leadership. But
I have to say, these Iraqis, once they're touched by
Zarqawi's breed of terrorism, there is no coming
back. I mean, I have been to a Zarqawi camp. I have
looked in the eyes of these men. I have been with
them as I have seen these men change from nationalist
fighters to committed holy warriors. And I have
spoken to Baathist commanders who deal with them who
say, you can't talk to these men. It is as though
they're from another planet. So, this is the legacy
Zarqawi leaves behind in his organization. We will
now see how it changes. We will also see, I think,
within the insurgency the former Baath Party and the
former military from Saddam's army, who are
responsible for the majority of attacks on U.S.
forces also take this ground that Zarqawi has left.
There has been a lot of conflict between them. And I
think that's what led to his betrayal, that led to
his death in this safe house. So, I think one of the
first beneficiaries will, strangely, be the Baath.
ZAHN: Let's talk a little bit about the relationship
with al-Qaeda from here on in. Zarqawi was always
perceived as a lightning rod among al-Qaeda members
and other jihadists. So, what is going to change?
WARE: Well, this is also very important in terms of
this enormous debate that is taking place within
al-Qaeda and within the broader jihad community.
Zarqawi very much has been the vanguard of a new
generation of al-Qaeda. Osama bin Laden, September 11
was meant to inspire and to get others to follow.
Well, Zarqawi listened to that. Before Iraq, he was a
marginal player. Iraq is the platform that made him.
Now, that forced Osama bin Laden to a decision point.
Zarqawi becomes such a superstar within the jihad,
they either had to take him on or embrace him. So,
they brought him in, in October 2004. But, really, I
believe Zarqawi had grander designs. Now on the -- on
the board of directors, I think he wanted to be
chairman. What now happens to this more brutal, more
hard-line generation that he has inspired? Are they
brought into the fold, or do they continue on his
path?
ZAHN: It's one of the frightening questions that we
all have to think about. Michael Ware, thanks so
much. Appreciate your reporting tonight.