Another Kabul-based security analyst and former Afghan Ministry of Interior official, Sami Sadat, said Friday's attack showed signs of an enfeebled Taliban.

WSJ: Taliban Assault Shakes Kabul

But in a written statement to NPR, the governor of Anbar province, Maamoun Sami Rashid, said that the handover had been further postponed due to ongoing negotiations regarding some of the language in the written agreement both sides must sign.

NPR: U.S. To Delay Transfer Of Iraq's Anbar Province

"This is bad news, " al-Maliki adviser Sami al-Askari said.

CNN: Iraqi official: Blackwater staying on 'is bad news'

Essid Sami Ben Khemais, police said, also was linked to Mohamed Bensakhria, an Algerian arrested in Spain last June.

CNN: Police: 2 Tunisians linked in plot against U.S. targets in Europe

The Guardian said the top negotiator for the Iraqi government, Sami al-Askari, had flown several time to Iran to negotiate with the kidnappers in the holy city of Qom.

BBC: Iraq hostage Peter Moore's release raises questions

But Sami al-Askari, a prominent Shiite member of parliament, said any commutation would set a dangerous precedent.

NPR: Iraq Set to Hang Three from Saddam Era