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Source: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC06.php?CID=1621
Osama Bin Laden: A Post-Mortem
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Matthew Levitt - What are the immediate implications of bin Laden's death for al-Qaeda, its franchises, and its followers? Although bin Laden played little if any operational role over the past few years, his was the face of the organization and the voice of its extremist narrative and ideology. His death is a major blow to the morale of al-Qaeda foot soldiers and leaders alike and a major morale boost to the U.S. and its allies. Bin Laden's death strips him of the mystique of the invulnerable chief successfully eluding Western intelligence while his group continues to carry out attacks worldwide. With the Arab Spring, large numbers of Arab protesters have shown that their agenda does not embrace al-Qaeda's nihilistic ideology and worldview. Yet, bin Laden's legacy continues to present an acute threat to the West, with al-Qaeda and its franchises and affiliates still capable of carrying out terrorist attacks.