Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is dead

It would be wonderful if the violent death of this violent man were to have a salutary effect on the wretchedness in Iraq, but colour me unconvinced on that front. No tears from me on his death, but I see no reason to celebrate.

For some information on the "Short, Violent Life" of this thug, check out this article from The Atlantic. Apparently he and Osama weren't so tight after all and it seems that his significance was overstated (perhaps inadvertently) anyway.

I wonder if anyone has described him as al-Qaeda's number three man yet?

From Crooks & Liars:

The father of one of Zarqawi's most brutal murders (Nick Berg's death has been attributed to him) was on American Morning today to give his reaction to the news that Zarqawi is dead.

Berg: Zarqawi is also a political figure and his death will reignite yet another wave of revenge - revenge is something I do not follow. I do not ask for against anybody and it's an endless cycle as long as people use violence to combat violence-ahh we will always have violence.