Ihab el-Sherif is Dead

Reuters is reporting that Egypt's top envoy to Iraq, Ihab el-Sherif, has been murdered by his al Qaeda kidnappers.

The group led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has posted a statement that reads, "We al Qaeda in Iraq announce that the judgment of God has been implemented against the ambassador of the infidels, the ambassador of Egypt. Oh enemy of God, Ihab el-Sherif, this is your punishment in this life."

The statement adds that, "The ambassador of the infidels gave information that showed the infidelity of his regime and his allegiance to the Jews and Christians." This may be a reference to el-Sherif's former role as deputy to the Egyptian ambassador to Israel. Video of a blindfolded el-Sherif was posted along with the statement.