Al-Zarqawi vows allegiance to bin Laden, page 1

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The militant group led by terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, believed to be behind many deadly attacks in Iraq, has declared its allegiance to Osama bin Laden, citing the need for unity against �the enemies of Islam.�

The declaration, which appeared Sunday on a Web site used as a clearinghouse for statements by militant groups, said al-Zarqawi�s Tawhid and Jihad group and al-Qaida had been in communication eight months ago and �viewpoints were exchanged� before the dialogue was interrupted.

�God soon blessed us with a resumption in communication, and the dignified brothers in al-Qaida understood the strategy of Tawhid and Jihad,� said the statement, whose authenticity could not be confirmed.

The statement ran a Quranic verse encouraging Muslim unity and said al-Zarqawi considered bin Laden �the best leader for Islam�s armies against all infidels and apostates.�

Looking for confirmation
The Bush administration said it was still trying to confirm the report.

�But we�ve always said there were ties between Zarqawi and al-Qaida, which underscores once again why Iraq is the central front in the war on terror,� White House spokesman Trent Duffy said in Washington. �It�s also proof positive of why the president�s firm resolve to fight terrorists overseas so we don�t face them in America�s neighborhoods is the only clear way to prevail.�

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Question: If this is confirmed, is it enough to justify the attack on Iraq? Does it prove Iraq had ties to Bin Ladens terrorist network?