A Most Palpable Hit!

A posting on an Islamic website reportedly calls for followers and supporters of Muhammad al-Zarqawi to pray for his health. U.S. Marines have been prosecuting an offensive in the terrorist stronghold of western Iraq for some time, and have allegedly come close to grabbing Zarqawi on at least two occasions. Zarqawi must be seriously injured for such a public acknowledgement of his condition:

A statement from the al-Qaeda Organisation for Holy War in Iraq said: "O nation of Islam... Pray for the healing of our Sheikh Abu Musab al-Zarqawi from an injury he suffered in the path of God.

"You are the beloved of the mujahideen (holy fighters), and may God heal you and make you steadfast .... Our sheikh has taught us that nothing is worthy compared to...Islam."