Guide to the Insurgents
The fighters wreaking havoc against the U.S. in Iraq fall into several camps, some of which coordinate their actions

NEWSHA TAVALOKIAN / POLARIS  
ANSAR AL-ISLAM: Members patrol a compound on the Iranian border that Americans suspect houses a chemical weapons lab
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LEADERS
Abu Mousab al-Zarqawi, Mullah Krekar

WHO THEY ARE
Analysts believe Ansar al-Islam is actively plotting attacks and may be al-Qaeda's link in Iraq, sharing its ideology and some personnel and training. Ansar al-Islam's ranks are filled with Iraqi Kurds from Islamic parties, reinforced by an unknown number of jihadis from other Arab states; many are veterans of camps in Afghanistan

CONNECTIONS AND TACTICS
Routed in the U.S. bombing campaign in northern Iraq, the majority of its members took refuge in Iran. Small cells are believed to be operating again in Iraq and are suspected of involvement in al-Qaeda-style suicide bombings in Baghdad

NEXT: Foreign Fighters
FROM THE DECEMBER 15, 2003 ISSUE OF TIME MAGAZINE; POSTED SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2003

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