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Al-Qaeda in Iraq names new head Comment: The insinuation that the resistance in Iraq is some kind of well organised Al Qaeda operation that has a defined structure is a ludicrous one. Someone somewhere has posted a claim on a website and it is hyped beyond all recognition, suggesting Al Qaeda has a similar status to a structured political movement. Al-Qaeda in Iraq has named a successor to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, days after he was killed in a US air strike. Abu Hamza al-Muhajir is "knowledgeable" and has a history of fighting a holy war, said an internet message on a site used by Islamic militants. But observers say little is known about him - the name could be a pseudonym. In Washington, President George W Bush said Mujahir would be "on our list to bring to justice", during talks on Iraq with military and diplomatic planners. Speaking after the first of two days of talks his advisers say may herald a crucial reassessment of the war, Mr Bush also said US troops would stay in Iraq for the immediate future. The news came as US military officials said Zarqawi had died from injuries consistent with the results of a bomb. Questions had arisen over how he had died after
the Americans revealed he had still been alive following the bombing
of a safe house by US planes on Wednesday. The statement from al-Qaeda in Iraq said its council
had "unanimously agreed" on the choice. "We ask God that he... continue what Sheikh Abu Musab began," it added. Muhajir was not among the names al-Qaeda analysts had expected as a probable successor, and is believed to be a pseudonym. Analysts say the name al-Muhajir - which is Arabic for immigrant - suggests he is not Iraqi. The group has been quick to declare their operations will continue despite the loss of their exceptionally violent leader, the BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner says. Zarqawi was accused of leading the rash of kidnappings and beheadings of foreign workers. Our correspondent says military analysts will be now watching to see if al-Qaeda in Iraq continues its campaign against Shia Muslims - or focuses its attacks more narrowly to broaden support among Iraqis. Zarqawi autopsy Zarqawi and five others were killed after US planes
dropped two 500lb (230kg) bombs on a safe house near the city of Baquba
on Wednesday. DNA analysis had confirmed the corpse was Zarqawi's and it bore "no evidence of beating or any firearm injuries", he added. Major General William Caldwell said they administered medical help to the mortally wounded Zarqawi, who had taken nearly an hour to die after the strike. US military officials have denied widely reported eyewitness allegations suggesting Zarqawi had been beaten by US soldiers before his death. The US had earlier announced Zarqawi did not survive the air strike, which they said came after tip-offs from his organisation. ---------------------------------------------------
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