| Submit your comments on this article |
| Iraq-Jordan |
| Iraqi Wahhabi forces allied with Zarqawi |
| 2005-03-23 |
| This paper presents an overview of two of the principle Sunni radical groups in Iraq. It is estimated that these groups will continue to oppose reconstruction efforts in the country, particularly following the resounding victory for Shiite and Kurdish parties in the recent elections. Both of these Sunni groups have connections with radical Islamist groups outside of Iraq, such as al-Qaida and its offshoots. In addition, the support given to them by fundamentalist regimes outside of Iraq could give them a reach beyond the local arena. Ansar Al-Islam a.k.a. Jund al Islam[1] History In August 2001, leaders of different Kurdish Islamic factions met with leaders of Al Qaida to discuss the formulation of an alternate Al-Qaida base in Northern Iraq. The new network, Ansar al-Islam, came about from the merging of several small Islamic movements in Kurdish Iraq.[2] It was formally activated in September 2001 with $300,000 - $600,000 of Al-Qaida seed money, together with donations from Saudi Arabia.[3] Bases Ansar al Islam's primary bases are located in the mountains along the Iran-Iraq border. Assessments by the PUK [define] indicated that in 2002, a second group affiliated with Ansar al Islam was formed in Baghdad and controlled from the city of Mosul.[4] The city of Halabja was a base for many of the group's Al-Qaida-affiliated members.[5] Ansar also maintained strongholds in the villages of Kharbani, Zardahal, and Bayyarah. Following significant defeats in battle with the PUK, Ansar subsequently retreated from these areas, eventually settling in the Darka Shikhan area, a remote village on the border between Iraq and Iran.[6] Ansar's shura council most recently operated from the village of Beyara.[7] |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |