 |
The aftermath of a car bomb in central Baghdad, June 10, 2006 (Reuters photo)
|
Iraq's ghost is gone. Or is it?
The man known to be responsible for scores of car bombs, kidnappings, and beheadings in Iraq has been killed, his head and upper body shown in media outlets across the world. But Iraq remains one of the world's most dangerous spots. And who knows for how long?
For the past 3 years, Zarqawi has been constantly pointed to by US politicians and the world's media as the key name behind Iraq's poignant situation.
Now his name is a subject of celebration; an indication of victory for US forces, as he was killed in a US raid; and hope for the new Iraqi government, whose Prime Minister Maliki Nouri announced the terrorist leader's death.
But what does Zarqawi's death mean beyond the media frenzy and the announced victory for US forces?
|
Names and profiles of possible successors for Zarqawi are now being revealed in the press.
|
|
The situation in Iraq is too complicated, too damaged, to heal by one man's death.
Iraq's violence was not brought on by Zarqawi alone. In addition to Al-Qaeda followers and other extremist fighters willing to sacrifice Iraqi civilian lives, there are more "moderate" resistance fighters, who target only US occupation forces and avoid civilians; Baathists, Saddam's loyalists; Shiite militias, who have infiltrated the Iraqi police and army and are believed to be funded and supported by neighboring Iran; and non-ideological fighters who perpetrate spontaneous operations and lack organization.
Car bombs, kidnappings, and assassinations continue.
Iraqis still endure daily difficulties: The unemployment rate is rising, the literacy rate is falling, electricity is a luxury, and potable water is not always available.
Reconstruction efforts are hampered by raging violence. And Iraq is indebted with US$50 billion.
Zarqawi was a ghost for Iraqis. His name was used to explain their country's uncontrolled violence, and in his name several Iraqi cities, from Fallujah to Haditha, were raided, with civilian lives lost in "collateral damage."
It seems his legacy will continue to haunt them. He had groomed several figures to succeed him in Iraq, and names and profiles of possible successors are already being revealed in the press.
A new name will soon take over and Zarqawi's fame will fade away. The hunt for the new ghost will begin. Whenever critics against US conduct and losses in Iraq get louder, the new name might get mentioned, and progress in the hunt for him might be announced. Then he might finally get captured or killed, as Saddam and Zarqawi were. But it is Iraqis who will continue to suffer.
|
