Yemen's power structures are under great strain as the political elite struggles to adapt to nationwide demands for a more responsive and inclusive government. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states will play a critical role in Yemen's future.
While Washington should be worried about the increasing prominence of Anwar al-Awlaki, the popular Yemeni-American preacher, he won't supplant Osama bin Laden as the head of al-Qaeda and the leader of the global jihadi movement.
The death of Osama bin Laden strikes several blows against global terrorism and provides President Obama the opportunity to relaunch his dialogue with the Muslim world.
The killing of Osama bin Laden has revealed the fragmented nature of the Pakistani government and complicated U.S. negotiations regarding military aide and development assistance.
While al-Qaeda remains a global threat, regional changes and the erosion of government support have left it diminished. It is likely to be replaced by ideas and causes that are more aligned with the realities of the twenty-first century.
Qaddafi has released hundreds of jailed Islamist terrorists who are now poised to exploit the chaos in Libya and directly threaten the security of both Libya and the United States.
To overcome the large trust deficit that exists between Washington and Islamabad, the leadership in both countries must recognize that the strategic interests of their two nations do not always align.
While Pakistan’s concerns about violations of its national sovereignty are understandable, Islamabad’s inability to maintain control over its borders and prevent terrorists from entering the country undermines its argument.
While the Pakistani terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba is not currently in a position to replace al-Qaeda, it will continue to pose a large and growing international threat.
The threat from militants in Pakistan is unlikely to disappear following bin Laden's death. The United States must continue to engage with Pakistan, but a greater emphasis should be made on building civilian, not military, capabilities.


















Stay connected to the Global Think Tank with Carnegie's smartphone app for Android and iOS devices