Zarqawi's Anti-Election Pamphlets Hint at Growing Tensions with Mainstream Sunni Iraqis

By Evan Kohlmann

I have obtained copies of pamphlets allegedly being distributed by Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--strenuously urging Iraqi Sunnis to abstain from participation in the upcoming national elections scheduled for December 15.  The pamphlets reflect a surprising degree of hysteria on the part of Al-Qaida and growing bitterness towards moderate Sunnis that is not nearly as evident in Zarqawi's other recent publications and communiques.  In one such pamphlet, Al-Qaida propagandists angrily point to the large numbers of Iraqis--including Sunnis--who have participated in either last January's national election or the October 15 constitutional referendum and demand of the Sunnis:

"Do you know what participating in the elections means?  Participating in the elections means that you believe in the leader of the infidels, and what he has called for.  Remember that your mere participation means that you have agreed to do as the Americans have demanded.  In fact, if you participate you are obeying the infidel leaders�Bush, Rice, and Kofi Annan.  Do you want to follow them?  Taking part in the elections means that you do not value the blood of your brother martyrs that has been spilled all across Iraq in order to defend the people, Islam, and the honor of our Muslim nation.  Your participation in elections that are held by the murderous infidels demonstrates utter disregard for the blood of your brothers... Participation in the elections means that you have been tricked by the Americans and the Jews."

Another such Al-Qaida anti-election propaganda pamphlet admonishes Iraqi Sunnis, "�Where is your common sense?  Where is your zealous pursuit of your religion and honor?  Where are they?!  To those of you who deliberate over the solution, or the �alternative� to participation in the elections�as those who have betrayed Allah like to refer to it�we say: the solution is clear� The solution is jihad and fighting the enemies of Islam."

Click to view English translations c/o Globalterroralert.com

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