Al Qaeda's Leader Al-Awlaki

Just recently Al Qaeda's leader al-Awlaki was killed on September 30, 2011, and was the most significant attack the United States put on Al Qaeda since Osama bin Laden was killed in May. Jenna Jordan seems to believe this death that was caused by our country will in the long run negatively effect us. There has been debate for a fairly long time on the way our country attacks other countries and their leaders. The main point being conveyed and debated is how this death of Al Qaeda's leader may have an impact on them, but in reality it will really make Al Qaeda a stronger nation. Evidence proves this is true, and I agree with what Jenna Jordan is suggesting. Many think in the long run it does not make them a weaker nation, this is something that has been proven, but many people still disagree. This opinion that killing terrorist leaders does not end battle, rather it takes it to another level and causes adverse consequences. Evidence shows that killing other nation's prominent leaders motivates their followers to retaliate in a very powerful way.

Jenna Jordan, who is a postdoctoral scholar at the Harris School of Public Policy Studies at the University of Chicago put together a study of approximately 300 cases of attacks to nation's leaders of 96 terrorist organizations globally. Her evidence shows that between 1945 and 2004 shows the likelihood of collapse of the nation declining (Jordan 1). Which means it has shown that the nations have not gotten weaker after the death of their leaders. It shows the opposite. This idea is counterproductive because it is proved that the groups become more powerful and

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productive over time. Groups that are religious are especially hard to bring down because of their unity and faith they have. The killing of Awlaki is not likely to weaken Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. This attack may seem like a victory, but research shows that over time Al Qaeda will persevere through their loss. It seems as if this author has evidence, and has done the research necessary to put together this information. This research to prove the decline in countries after the death of their leader has been done over time to prove this is not a good tactic to use.

In my opinion, I agree with what the author is saying. I can see why this theory is stated. Many people across the country do not agree with this and support going to war and attacking terrorist organizations. While maybe for a short period of time Mr. Awlaki's death is a tactical victory, but research states that over time, Al Qaeda will survive this and come back a stronger nation than they were before.

I agree with this not only because I think that it is true, but I also agree because I believe it protects our country. Killing terrorists does not make their nation weaker. Attacking other countries will cause retaliation, and make revenge on our country