Many Iraqi members leave al-Qaeda after declaration of Islamic state

"Clashes between Iraqi and foreign members of al-Qaeda in Iraq signaled a possible split in the foreign-led Sunni insurgent group over its leaders' declaration Sunday of a separate, Sunni-led Islamic emirate in nine provinces of Iraq.
. . . A mid-ranking Iraqi official of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Ma'an al-Ani, said scores of Iraqi members of Iraq's most feared Sunni insurgent group had broken away, spurred by unhappiness at Sunday's declaration. Creation of a separate Sunni state would only 'tear the country apart . . . and divert from the main goal, which is getting Americans out,' Ani said." [1]

"On Thursday, dozens of black-clad gunmen, toting assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, paraded down a main street in Ramadi, one of the most troublesome cities in Anbar province for American troops. They waved banners identifying them as members of the Mujahedeen Shura Council, an umbrella group for insurgents. The council had recently announced the creation of an Islamic state in the area, independent of the Iraqi government.
“The problem is that the government is weak,” said Sheikh Fassal al-Guood, a former governor of Anbar province, on the brazen demonstration. “This issue takes time, training and weapons. The police force in Anbar now cannot stand up to Al Qaeda fighters.” [2]

source
The Washington Post. Families Flee Iraqi River Towns On 4th Day of Sectarian Warfare. October 17, 2006.
[2] The New York Times. U.S. to Review Baghdad Plan, General Says. October 19, 2006.

posted: wednesday, october 18, 2006, 9:03 PM ET
update: saturday, october 21, 2006, 4:56 PM ET