Anwar al-Awlaki, U.S. born cleric now operating Yemen, has labeled the political uprisings throughout the Middle East as a boon for Al-Qaeda to strengthen and expand its network.
He should not be so sure of himself.
Al-Qaeda does not enjoy widespread support throughout the Arab World. Let us not forget the Baghdad demonstrations against the terrorist network when Al Qaeda in Iraq was ripping up sections of the city with suicide bombers.
The United States does not have to butress very nation that throws out its ruling elite. Unmanned drones in Afghanistan have already neutralized terrorist cells. The United States can take on another developments with similar operations.
The failed state of Somalia does not pose nearly the level of threat to the world as a nuclear-armed Iran. If Tunisia, Egypt, and even Yemen devolve into instability for a period of time, the resulting unrest will still be less to fear. Al-Qaeda cannot bet on exploiting any power vaccuum.