U.S.-born member of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Anwar al-Awlaki is often portrayed in the media as the head of the franchise, which he clearly is not.
The death of former al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden probably will have very little practical impact on the jihadist movement. The reaction of the Pakistani government and the Pakistani public to the raid will be more significant.
The United States lacks the tribal relationships, historical presence and trust to deal effectively with a resurgent Yemeni old guard seeking vengeance amid growing chaos.
Fear of sanctions and retaliation has tempered Col. Gadhafi's use of terrorism in recent years, but that fear may evaporate if he believes he has nothing to lose.
