Readings on bin Laden part 7: No end to leader's bloody legacy | The Australian

No end to leader's bloody legacy | The Australian: "Bin Laden appointed Ayman al-Zawahiri, an Egyptian medical doctor as his successor. The former leader of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, Ayman was head of the information committee of al-Qa'ida. His book, The Knights Under the Prophet's Banner, formed the blue-print for al-Qa'ida strategy. His wife and two children were killed in the US bombing of Tora Bora mountains. Although hardworking and bright, Ayman lacks the global charisma and appeal of bin Laden. Although al-Qa'ida is likely to seek revenge from Pakistan and the US for killing its leader, its strategy and tactics are unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Bin Laden will remain a hero for his followers and supporters. He will be memoralised and a few groups will carry out attacks in his name.

Bin Laden became such a prominent figure because of his ability and willingness to work together with disparate leaders and groups from different parts of the world. His key strength was to mount a few spectacular attacks, mobilise like-minded groups to join him and to galvanise public support for a sustained campaign."

Contrary to popular belief, he was not only a spiritual leader. He was an operational leader that actively planned and prepared attacks. He worked very closely with Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. However, after 9/11, the security environment forced him to play a low-profile role.

Nonetheless, through the release of audio and video tapes, he played a vital role in shaping the threat environment.