イラク戦争

The video bore the title ''Abu Musab al-Zarqawi shown slaughtering an American.'' It was unclear whether al-Zarqawi - an associate of Osama bin Laden believed behind the wave of suicide bombings in Iraq - was shown in the video or simply ordered the execution. Al-Zarqawi also is sought in the assassination of a U.S. diplomat in Jordan in 2002.

The Bush administration said those who beheaded Berg would be hunted down and brought to justice.

''Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,'' White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said. ''It shows the true nature of the enemies of freedom. They have no regard for the lives of innocent men, women and children.''