Is Terrorist Morale In Iraq Sagging?

On a day when Iraq swore in its first democratically elected government, U.S. military officials report seizing what they say is a letter from Iraqi insurgents earmarked for terrorist bigwig Abu Musab al-Zarqawi grousing about low morale in his followers’ ranks and waning insurgency support.

First off, this is kind of news report which is an interesting piece of a puzzle — if you go on the assumption it is a piece. Reports note that it has NOT been confirmed. But, if it is accurate, it would be a sign of progress.

For instance, CNN reports:

The authenticity of the letter — which the military said American troops found Thursday in a raid in Baghdad — could not be independently verified.

The letter — which never refers to al-Zarqawi by name — is written to Sheik Abu Ahmad, a name not known to be used by the militant leader or his followers. But supporters often call al-Zarqawi the Sheik or Sheik Abu Musab in letters and on Web sites.

“What has happened to myself and my brothers is an unforgivable crime, but God will punish the oppressor,” the letter reads. “I swear by God that you will be asked about what happened to us because you have not asked about the situation of the migrants. Morale is down and there is fatigue among mujahedeen ranks.

“There is discrimination by some of the brethren emirs. God would not accept such actions, and a simple mistake delays victory, so what about big mistakes and gross guilts? Many underestimate them and are lenient toward them.”

The letter is dated April 27, the military said…The author of the letter also “admonishes ‘the Sheik’ for abandoning his followers” after last year’s U.S. siege on Falluja, west of Baghdad….

The letter comes against this backdrop:

• The new government was finally sworn in and the Prime Minister tried to reach out to Sunni insurgents:”"Come back to our people with atonement and apology so you can take part in the process of rebuilding and development,” soft-spoken Prime Minister Ibrahim Jafari said. “Our heart is big, and can encompass you all, unless you shed blood or violated the integrity of others.”
• More clashes. The BBC:”Clashes in the Iraqi city of Ramadi have left 12 insurgents, two Iraqi civilians and one Iraqi soldier dead, the US military says”
• In an Internet statement, Pakistan’s Daily Times reports, (the authenticity of this again can’t be confirmed — it could be one guy with a computer), al-Zarqawi’s followers vowed to attack the White House or Vatican if he gave the order.