How will official Europe and the State Department react to news that Zarqawi has a network in Europe? Judging from the understanding of and response to jihadist infiltration and intimidation in some quarters, I would guess that they will say that they’re glad he’s taking an interest in something besides violence, and that broadcasting is such a rewarding field. From the Telegraph, with thanks to Daryl:
A wave of arrests across Europe has thrown new light on a European terrorist network being developed by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the most prominent insurgent in Iraq.
A growing number of terrorism investigations in Britain, Germany, Bosnia, Denmark and most recently Spain and France are linked to the man who has masterminded countless suicide bombings in Iraq, personally beheaded hostages and bombed three hotels in his native Jordan.
Some of the suspected networks appear to be involved only in supporting his operations in Iraq. But counter-terrorism officials are worried that Zarqawi could be planning to use his base in Iraq to start attacking Europe.
Security officials are particularly worried by indications that he wants to recruit white extremists who will be more difficult to detect than Arabs or Asians.
“Zarqawi thinks he is bigger than Iraq,” a British source said. “He is spreading his tentacles in Europe. There is a sense that attacks are inevitable.
“Even before the invasion of Iraq, Zarqawi had a network in Europe that provided funds and recruits. The same pipeline will sooner or later pump the other way, from Iraq to Europe.”