Have to agree
I think you may be correct on both your points. My main point is that there were no substantive links between Saddam and Osama before the war. But it appears that now, after Saddam has been toppled, the Baathists and Al Qaeda may have found some unfortunate common ground.
As for my use of the term "insurgents," my intentions are to employ its definition as listed in the dictionary: "Rising in revolt against established authority, especially a government." I wouldn't want to imply that those currently commiting violent acts against American troops and other IRaqi citizens are peasant farmers.