Saddam’s regime linked to Islamist terror group in Africa
I think this discovery is indicative of the nature of Saddam's links to various terrorist groups - not a direct, high level connection to Al Queda leadership but rather numerous ties to terrorist organizations in different countries, many of which are Islamist but some not, who may in some cases also be receiving support and sponsorship from the Al Queda umbrella network.
Secret Iraqi files detail contacts with Africa group linked to Al Qaeda.