I find it difficult to understand how anyone can read things like this and not understand that Iraq is a fundamental front in the war on Islamic fundamentalism.

Titled “The text of al-Zarqawi’s message to Osama bin Laden about holy war in Iraq,” the statement appeared on Web sites that have recently carried claims of responsibility for attacks in Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

“The space of movement is starting to get smaller,” it said. “The grip is starting to be tightened on the holy warriors’ necks and, with the spread of soldiers and police, the future is becoming frightening.”

The statement says the militant movement in Iraq is racing against time to form battalions that can take control of the country “four months before the formation of the promised Iraqi government, hoping to spoil their plan.” It appears to refer to the government that would take office after the elections scheduled for January 2005.

It also says insurgents are planning to intensify attacks on Iraqi soldiers and police, seen as collaborators with the U.S.-led coalition. Calling Iraqi forces “the occupier’s eye, ear and hand,” the statement says: “We are planning on targeting them heavily in the coming stage before they are fully in control.”

[Tuesday update]

Citizen Smash says that this is old news.

The point remains, however.