Small children ran around the dusty streets of Zarqa on Friday shouting, "Infidels deserve to die!" and "He's a hero! A martyr!" Men gathered beneath a tent and women met inside a small house during the azza, the traditional gathering that takes place after a death.
There were no tears, no somber remembrances, just a few angry speeches declaring that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was chosen by God to fight for Islam, and making one request: His family would like his body so it can be buried in a family plot.
Mr. Zarqawi's brothers and sisters insisted this was a celebration for a loved one they deeply admired. "Welcome to the celebration of the martyr, the hero, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi," read a hand-painted banner hanging from the front of the tent set up for the men. |