For Immediate Release
February 11, 2004

Global Message

From CPA materials on the Zarqawi memo, 2/9/04

A memo believed to be written by suspected al-Qaida operative Abu Musab al-Zarqawi reveals al-Qaida's participation in an effort to spark civil war in Iraq.

This memo describes an intention to tear Iraq apart by provoking violence toward Shi'a people and their leaders.

The Iraqi people have demonstrated repeatedly that they aren't willing to participate in these activities. They are looking forward to a free, united and sovereign Iraq.

The memo states that the biggest bulwark against terrorist efforts is the continued standing up of Iraqi security forces, continued American resolve, and the hand over of sovereignty to an effective Iraqi government.

Coalition and Iraqi security forces are capable of using intelligence to kill or capture those who would try to create anything but a safe and secure environment in Iraq.

This makes clear that the terrorists understand that failure to defeat Coalition forces will be a major setback for their overall terror war.

This development is an important reminder of why it is so critical that we forge ahead with our plan in Iraq to bolster Iraqi security forces.

Moving forward on the hand over of sovereignty to the Iraqi people will do more to isolate the terrorists than anything else. Coalition resolve remains unwavering.