AMMAN, Jordan, April 26 (UPI) -- The first video appearance of the al-Qaida chief in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, indicates that he is still a strong presence on the Iraqi scene.
Jordanian political observers contended that the unexpected video-tape was aimed at defeating press and security reports that al-Zarqawi has given up al-Qaida's leadership in Iraq.
Expert in Islamic movement affairs, Mohammed Abu Rumman, underscored the obvious link between al-Zarqawi's first appearance in a video-tape and his alleged resignation from the al-Qaida leadership which was backed by security reports.
"The only way Zarqawi could respond to the reports was through an overt appearance," Abu Rumman told United Press International Wednesday.
Previously, al-Zarqawi had used audio-tapes to air his messages. In the tape he vowed there would be more attacks against U.S. troops to force them to pull out from Iraq.
"Through his appearance Zarqawi wanted to show that he still commands a big force in Iraq. There is no doubt that this message is of great danger for Iraq and its neighbors, especially Jordan, which considers him as its first and most dangerous enemy," Abu Rumman said.
His appearance is also of special significance as it coincides with the beginning of the Sunnis' integration in the political process in Iraq amid constant controversy about the Sunni adoption of al-Zarqawi.
"It is as well a challenging message for both Iraqis and the Americans and Iraq's neighboring countries, especially Jordan," Abu Rumman added.
Al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian whose real name is Ahmed Fadil Nazzal al-Khalayila, is one of the United States' most wanted terrorists, with a $25 million bounty. He is also wanted in Jordan, where he has been sentenced to death in absentia in three different cases.
Al-Zarqawi is currently being tried for the case of the triple hotel bombings in Amman last November for which his al-Qaida branch claimed responsibility.
