Zawahiri’s New Video Shows Leadership Crisis in Al-Qaeda
The video of Ayman al-Zawahiri released on June 8 is most noteworthy for what he did not do. Despite being the official second-in-command of al-Qaeda, he did not declare, or even hint, that he is now the group’s official head. This indicates that Zawahiri is fearful of creating a fissure by asserting his authority, aware that the rank-and-file is not united behind him. It also means that the top leadership has been unable to communicate to decide on a successor, allowing contradictory reports that Zawahiri, Saif al-Adel, or Hamza bin Laden have taken the helm to spread confusion.
On June 9, a video apparently from al-Qaeda’s media arm made its way onto a jihadist forum. The tape announced that Hamza bin Laden, at only 21 years of age, was the new al-Qaeda chief. It was then deleted. He made his debut in a video in 2005 showing a battle between Pakistani forces and jihadists. An associate of Osama said in 2008 that Hamza was being groomed to replace his father. His escape from his father’s compound on May 1 is the type of story that jihadists crave in a leader. However, experienced terrorists won’t be enthusiastic about being led by a 21-year old who only became their leader because of his last name.
Click here to read the rest of my PJM article.
william (cat folk artist) Says:
Okay, if he announces his leadership or spiritual head master – chief nutcase or whatever position there is a simple solution for each of these figures…chose one of these:
A. B-52 bombers
B. B-1 bombers
C. Tomahawks
D. Air dropped munitions
E. Drone dropped munitions
F. SEAL Team Six (my favored)
G. Let all the insame homicidal maniacs in our prisons loose with the promise of the first one to get their target gets some kind of reduced sentence – like life and a day instead of fried in the electric chair.
Posted on June 13th, 2011 at 1:30 am