Was Killing Al-Qaeda's Second-In-Command A Good Idea?

On the surface, admittedly, that sounds like a dumb question. When a Predator drone took out Libyan-born Atiyah Abdul-Rahman on August 22, it would appear that the CIA had plenty to celebrate. Following the death of bin Laden, this could be seen as the continuing crumbling of al-Qaeda as a genuine threat.

Of course, it is not as simple as that. Abdul-Rahman, like bin Laden, makes for a good trophy kill. He gives working Americans reason to be cheerful over their cereal. But it would be na�ve to think that Abdul-Rahman's death means the end of al-Qaeda.

The idea that the terrorist organization is one big entity with two leaders is simply nonsense. Rather, it is a collection of small entities, sort of like franchises, working under their own steam. Think the Avon Lady with a chip on her shoulder, and weapons instead of face cream.

Sure, killing Abdul-Rahman likely will not do any harm. It might force al-Qaeda's operational headquarters (whatever THAT is) to move to Yemen, and it might annoy the hell out of the remaining upper level. But, to be fair, it was a good score for the CIA, a kill that might at least demoralize the radicals for a minute or two.

It will also strengthen the resolve of many so the west will have to be on it's guard for a while, even more than it already is.

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