‘We got the bastard.’ ‘Obama 1-0 Osama.’ ‘ Justice, finally!’ These newspaper headlines aptly punctuate the jubilant mood that the Americans were in on receiving news of the killing of the world’s most-wanted man, Osama-bin-Laden. Civilians, irrespective of their social standing, were to be found on American streets singing praises of the Obama Administration and the Navy SEALS for having brought the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks to justice. Cyber-space was abuzz with netizens from all over the globe rejoicing and congratulating each other. World leaders, the security of whose countries were compromised by the Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, took a sigh of relief. India stood vindicated in its charge against Pakistan for providing a safe-haven to terrorists.
While the world views Osama’s death as a harbinger for safe and peaceful times, it is important to note that Al-Qaeda was never a one-man show. If reports are to be believed, Osama had passed on his operational duties to Al-Qaeda’s second–in-command Ayman Al Zawahiri after the 9/11 carnage. Al-Qaeda has a vast and extensive network of subordinate militant groups all over the world, many of which have sworn to avenge the ‘martyrdom’ of the ‘Sheikh’.
While this a great battle that has been won in the war against terror, complacency must not be allowed to set in. Having gained the upper hand, nations should work collectively towards uprooting the very existence of militancy and terrorism. Excluding countries like Pakistan from the peace process would prove to be a grave error of judgment that must not be committed. It’ll be crucial for the States to closely monitor the activities of certain rogue elements within the administrative and military set-ups of its allies like Pakistan, so as to ensure that the aid provided does not fall into wrong hands.
