Bin Ladin's Killing and its Effect on Al-Qa`ida: What Comes Next? CTC Sentinel, Special Issue, May 2011.
Abstract
Confronted with the sudden death of a leader, terrorist groups become cornered animals. When wounded, they lash out. Not only in hopes of surviving, but also to demonstrate their remaining power and continued relevance. Al- Qa`ida is no different. As its statement issued on May 6, 2011 confirming Usama bin Ladin?s death declared, ?The soldiers of Islam, groups and individuals, will continue planning without tiredness or boredom, and without despair or surrender, and without weakness or stagnancy, until they cause the disaster that makes children look like the elderly!? Al-Qa`ida will thus keen for its leader by killing. It will not necessarily attack soon. Yet the United States should brace itself once the 40-day mourning period that some Muslims observe ends. The dual prospect of punishing the United States and re-igniting fear and anxiety following a time of celebration and relief must surely figure prominently in al- Qa`ida?s calculus. This is what happened in Israel 15 years ago.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA544995
Entities
People
- Bruce Hoffman
Organizations
- United States Military Academy