Does al-Zarqauri(sp) really exist?

Is there really a man, we hear from the media as a terrorist leader, that beheads americans, is most wanted, supposedly goes by another name also, that exists and lives on this planet?

Are we sure?

How do we know that he's not a name & supposedly 5 years old photo invented by the government, just to keep us in fear and at war?

I'm not saying that is the case, just wondering if anyone really knows for sure.

Also, if he does exist for real, do we know if he really had a "top aid" who was just captured? I don't know.

I'm trying to sort out what's real and what's not. I was wondering what other members think or know.