Who controls the insurgency?

In short, no one. Although Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was the face of the insurgency to most of the world, there’s little doubt that the sectarian violence and targeting of U.S. troops will continue. Indeed, the umbrella group that includes Zarqawi’s al Qaeda in Iraq claimed today to be responsible for the kidnapping of two U.S. ...

608241_AlIslam5.jpg
608241_AlIslam5.jpg

In short, no one. Although Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was the face of the insurgency to most of the world, there's little doubt that the sectarian violence and targeting of U.S. troops will continue. Indeed, the umbrella group that includes Zarqawi's al Qaeda in Iraq claimed today to be responsible for the kidnapping of two U.S. soldiers on June 16.

In short, no one. Although Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was the face of the insurgency to most of the world, there’s little doubt that the sectarian violence and targeting of U.S. troops will continue. Indeed, the umbrella group that includes Zarqawi’s al Qaeda in Iraq claimed today to be responsible for the kidnapping of two U.S. soldiers on June 16.

Al Qaeda only accounts for roughly 5-10 percent of the attacks that have plagued both Iraqis and coalition troops in their efforts to rebuild Iraq. The groups responsible for the other 90 percent get much less press, partially because they are constantly merging with other insurgents or in hiding. Their leaders aren’t household names, but their tactics are just as deadly as the ones that made Zarqawi Public Enemy Number One.

In this week’s List, FP explores the future of the insurgent groups that Zarqawi left behind – who they are, what they are trying to accomplish, and which ones are more likely to negotiate than fight to the death.

Kate Palmer is deputy managing editor at Foreign Policy.

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