Scarier than Bin Laden

The most formidable nemesis for the US is Ayman al-Zawahiri, according to Bruce Hoffman, a professor of security studies. “Zawahiri is the superior strategist,” writes Hoffman, who credits the Al Qaeda leader for designating both “near” and “far” enemies for attack. The “near” enemies include corrupt regimes throughout the Muslim world, in power only with the support of “far” enemies such as the US, the UK and other Western nations. The US invasion of Iraq presented opportunity for Al Qaeda to attack both categories of enemy on a new battlefield, allowing the terrorist group to regroup, win new recruits and gain momentum. “Its members may be dispersed, but al-Qaeda is once again capable of planning and executing bold terrorist strikes,” Hoffman warns. Any who oppose Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups cannot underestimate the determination and ability of their leaders. – YaleGlobal