Uncertainty remains after Laden's death

Afghanistan: Still Uncertainties

Afghanistan clearly feels a sense of relief.

"The death of Osama in Pakistan has proved the accuracy of our claim that terrorist centers are outside Afghanistan and not in Afghan villages," Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Monday, adding Afghans are cooperating with the international community in the war on terror.

Karzai, meanwhile, called on Taliban militants to lay down their arms, to sever ties with Al-Qaida and join the peace process to contribute to the rebuilding process of Afghanistan.

Al-Qaida might find it hard to continue channeling funds after the death of bin Laden, who had turned the Al-Qaida network into a core part of the campaign to drive the US and Israel out of Arab territories by pulling together several Islamic extremist organizations from different countries and regions.

As yet there is no clue as to whether Al-Qaida will be reduced to a lesser role, or whether it is capable of retaining its influence and its money and armaments support for Taliban militants..

Despite the many uncertainties, bin Laden's death at least affords some justification for US President Barack Obama's plan to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, where the US has been stuck in a costly anti-terrorist war.

Iraq: Threats Linger

Bin Laden's death is expected to change little in Iraq, as the Al-Qaida has become an independent faction over the years, with only limited interaction with bin Laden. Therefore, bin Laden's death is unlikely to result in a notable reduction in their activities.

Earlier in the day, reports said Iraqi security forces had increased security in Baghdad as they expect deadly attacks from Al-Qaida militants in retaliation for bin Laden's killing.

Xinhua News Agency

(China Daily 05/04/2011 page9)

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