Assignment 1: Discussion—Counterarguments

Running head: IMPLICATIONS OF OSAMA’S DEATH

IMPLICATIONS OF OSAMA’S DEATH

5

Implications of Osama’s Death

Name

Institution

Implications of Osama’s Death

This article expounds the impact of the death of Osama bin Laden. Osama was believed to have been the leader of the terrorist group al-Qaeda and was killed in a military attack by the United States in 2011. His death, however, raises the question that even after his death, has his terrorist group been impaired or could it still carry on without him in the picture.

To understand the topic, we must first look at the strategic nature of the group. Al Qaeda has formed as a network independent groups that have similar interests (Islamic extremism) to attack Christian groups and being up an Islamic state. In my opinion, Al Qaeda is still going strong. By joining forces with various terrorist groups, which had already been formed, he removed the idea of the hierarchy of command which put in on the top. With the common goal being Islamic extremism, the group can continue to operate without him. For some years now, it is believed that the panel has been working without Osama’s command.

I would argue that Osama’s death has had little impact on the activities of al Qaeda. The affiliate groups that were formed thanks to Al Qaeda are still recruiting and training new members. The team has gone further to finance these groups to carry out the ideals of Islamic extremism. This is because a majority of the youths believe in the radical Muslim views due to a sense of victimization by their government and the West in general. Therefore, they have not been crippled by the death of one leader.

In most societies the Al Qaeda thrive, there is a general belief that their religion requires them to act violently against their enemies. Therefore, to get rid of Islamic extremism will prove difficult even with the elimination of Osama. This mentality will lead them to go on with their struggle for Islamic states no matter the cost.

However, it is worth mentioning additional opposing facts to this lemma. Osama, among the circles of Islamic extremists, was perceived as a demi-god (Scheuer, M., 2011). He evaded numerous attempts of arrest by the U.S government during the years he was active (1988 when Usama formed al-Qaeda till 2nd May 2011 when he was shot dead by U.S special forces in Abbottabad). His death, therefore, created a major blow to the terrorist organization (Hersh, S. M., 2015). Bin Laden came from a wealthy family, and his charismatic character made it easy for him to acquire funds to buy ammunition for his group’s activities. Since his death, however, Qaeda has found it hard to find people who will support their operations financially and also recruitment of members has hit a low.

Bin Laden was also not just the leader and founder of Qaeda, but he was also the embodiment of belief in the organization. Bin Laden had used the United States as a common ground to convince smaller terrorist groups to join Al-Qaeda. No one can ever fill the shoes of Bin Laden even his closest deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri who was supposed to succeed him. There exists a great rivalry between people of Arabian Peninsula decent and Egyptian decent (this is evidenced by the numerous fights that break out during football matches between Egypt and states from the Arabian Peninsula). Since Ayman is of Egyptian decent, there is no doubt that wrangles will get out within the organization and divide them into subgroups. This is because Bin Laden was These groups would be easier for the U.S government to combat in the field.

In conclusion, I would caution the world leaders not to see Osama bin Laden’s death as defeat over al Qaeda. It is very clear that the Islamic militias are still very active regarding recruiting new members. Moreover, even with the defeat of Al Qaeda their ideals still reside in a majority of the youths in the Arab region. Most of Bin Laden’s deputies are still at large and command a large following. They will, therefore, continue their reign of terror to try and show the relevance of al-Qaeda. We must remember that even though these terrorists are divided in ideologies, they are still united in bringing the United States of America to its knees. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.

 

References

B. J. (2014). Vicarious revenge and the death of Osama bin Laden. Personality and social psychology bulletin, 0146167214521466.

Hersh, S. M. (2015). The killing of Osama bin Laden. London Review of Books, 37(10), 3-12.

Gollwitzer, M., Skitka, L. J., Wisneski, D., Sjöström, A., Liberman, P., Nazir, S. J., & Bushman,

Scheuer, M. (2011). Osama Bin Laden. Oxford University Press.