Zarqawi death raises question of timing for war debate

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/world/14793913.htm

Zarqawi death raises question of timing for war debate

WASHINGTON - War and terrorism will take center stage in Congress this week, as both chambers vote on an emergency military spending bill and the House devotes a day to debating a resolution on Iraq and the so-called "war on terror."

House Republican leaders say the decision to focus on the conflict on Iraq and the terrorism issue was made long ago. But GOP officials concede that the killing of Iraqi insurgent leader Abu Musab Zarqawi by a U.S. air strike last week was fortuitous to their timing, making it easier for the Republicans to defend the administration's policies.

"It certainly helps the atmosphere of the debate," said Ron Bonjean, the spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. "It shows that we are fighting and winning the war on terror, and the resolution will reflect that."

The measure is expected to assert that operations in Iraq are part of a global "war on terror" and to express "resolve" to complete the mission.