Al-Zarqawi's death does not eliminate terror threat (duh)

[uppityperson]

And for todays Obviousman news, here you go. I am glad that the MSM is at least not just jumping on this story as The Story of The Year! So, my guess on the spin is that on the 1 hand we should celebrate because #2 is dead, this time for SURE!!!1 On the other hand, don't relax your guard because there are still people out there who want to kill or hurt YOU, specifically.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003048311_webaarqawianalysis08.html

PARIS – The killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi deprives Islamic terrorism of one of its most high-profile and violent poster boys. But it leaves largely intact the threat of attacks from small, independent cells — the "100 bin Ladens" that Egypt's president once said could be spawned by the U.S.-led war on terrorism.

Once they absorb the psychological blow of his death, al-Zarqawi's followers and other militants outside of Iraq not directly associated with him could regroup and continue with their bomb plots and killings.

Al-Qaida has shown great resilience, and its network of networks and followers has continued even as top leaders have been killed or captured. Even with Osama bin Laden in hiding, other militants have stepped forward to make good on his calls for terror attacks. Hundreds of arrests in France, Britain, and elsewhere in Europe have thwarted plots but did not stop the attacks on transport systems in Madrid, Spain, and London.

The applause that greeted the Iraqi prime minister's announcement that "al-Zarqawi was eliminated" was reminiscent of the whoops and celebrations that Saddam Hussein's capture inspired in 2003. But the spiraling violence in Iraq since then has shown that decisive victories are elusive in a war as complex as the one against terror. It is possible that al-Zarqawi's al-Qaida in Iraq will intensify its attacks just to show that his death did not cripple it....(more@link)

[Canuckistanian]

1. They don't understand, do they?

Al-Qaeda and their ilk are not organized like a top-down corporation heirarchy. They're really hundreds of independent, self-sufficient cells that share a common goal and ideology.

They're like the Borg. Sure, you can kill as many as you like, but no-one's ultimately in command and the organization just quietly makes a replacement and continues with its deadly mission.

That's not to say that there are no respected leaders, but killing them only makes them martyrs and their ideas and goals that much more popular.

Al-Qaeda lost a division commander yesterday, but the war goes on unabated. As with any army. A brief period of mourning, another entry into the pantheon of glorious heroes, then back to work.

Nothing of any import was accomplished.

[catmother]

2. you are absolutely right.

[uppityperson]

3. Yup, it stirs up talk, but that is about all.

on we go. Actually, off DU I go for the day. Bye all, off to play with aging parent,