'Al-Zarqawi' Tape Urges Sectarianism In Iraq

Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi (file photo) (AFP) June 2, 2006 -- The head of the Iraqi branch of Al-Qaeda, Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, has reportedly called for Sunni Muslims in Iraq to fight Shi'ites and to ignore calls for national unity.

In an audio recording posted on a website, a speaker identified as al-Zarqawi accuses Iraqi Shi'ites of trying to strengthen Iran's influence in Iraq.


The speaker denounces Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, as an "atheist."


(AP, AFP)

RFE/RL Iraq Report

RFE/RL Iraq Report


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