Osama bin Laden

American jihadi in Somalia writes an autobiography

Omar Hammami, an American jihadist from Alabama, wrote a 127-page book about his experience fighting on the front lines with Somalia's Al Qaeda affiliate, Al Shabab.
With conference in Mogadishu, TEDx is officially everywhere

The Somali capital is not an obvious choice for a conference that highlights 'ideas worth spreading,' but organizers say growing peace gives Somalis a chance to change their future.
After underwear plot, Saudi officials cite headway against AQAP

Saudi officials refused to discuss their involvement in disrupting the latest underwear bomb plot from Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), but say they are making gains against the group.
Backchannels
Saudi's Al Qaeda intelligence coup and the perils of too much disclosure

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's second underwear bomb plot went nowhere thanks to great intelligence work. But this is a case where too much disclosure is a problem.
Global News Blog
Renaming Al Qaeda to Tanthim al-Jihadi litahrir al-aksa wa-tawhid al-Umma?

According to newly released documents, Osama bin Laden mulled renaming Al Qaeda amid worries that the terrorist group had become a tarnished brand.
Ornate, but not lavish: Another bin Laden home located in Pakistan

The emerging details of Osama bin Laden's life on the run raise fresh questions over how the Al Qaeda chief was able to evade detection for years in Pakistan.
Keep Calm
Outgunned against rebels, Mali soldiers overthrow government

After a string of defeats against better armed Tuareg rebels, Mali's army staged a mutiny and overthrew the government.
Terrorism & Security
Ayman al-Zawahiri: Who is Al Qaeda's new leader?

Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al Qaeda's operational leader for many years, will succeed Osama bin Laden as the terror group's new chief.
Terrorism & Security
Bin Laden audio belatedly praises Arab Spring

The audio recording of Osama bin Laden, released posthumously, is Al Qaeda's first public statement on the regional uprisings.
Gates: No evidence 'yet' about who in Pakistan knew bin Laden was there

'Somebody' in Pakistan knew Osama bin Laden's whereabouts, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday. But he seemed to absolve 'senior leadership' and warned Congress against cutting US aid.
Terrorism & Security
Al Qaeda reportedly taps Saif al-Adel as successor, potentially signaling a rift

Al Qaeda senior leaders reportedly chose Egyptian militant Saif al-Adel as an interim successor to Osama bin Laden, instead of expected next-in-line Ayman al-Zawahiri.
SEAL Team Six: Is their safety being compromised?

Members of SEAL Team Six, the Navy squad that killed Osama bin Laden, are concerned that leaks about the raid will compromise their anonymity and threaten the safety of their families, Defense Secretary Gates said Thursday.
Terrorism & Security
Pakistanis cast doubt on Taliban's role in revenge attack

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack avenging bin Laden's death today. But local police doubt that the Taliban was directly involved, or that revenge was the main motive.
After bin Laden: India sees opportunity in Afghanistan

India's prime minister is in Kabul to argue for an Indian role in the Afghan peace process. Pakistan could be worried that the mood in Kabul may have tipped in India's favor after bin Laden's death
Terrorism & Security
Bin Laden journal reveals his calculations for another 9/11-style attack

The release of more information seized from Osama bin Laden's compound revealed that he thought only another 9/11-scale attack would force the US out of the Arab world.
Global News Blog
Bin Laden sons wonder why their father didn't get a trial

Omar bin Laden issued a statement Tuesday on behalf of the bin Laden family questioning why his father didn't receive a court trial like Saddam Hussein or Slobodan Milošević.
Is Anwar al-Awlaki's importance to Al Qaeda overstated?

Yemeni-American cleric Anwar al-Awlaki has been referred to as an Al Qaeda leader, strategist, or ideologue – and now, as a successor to Osama bin Laden.
Pakistan PM Gilani defends military, intelligence in wake of bin Laden raid

Analysts see the Pakistan prime minister's speech as an attempt to counter popular anger and outflank the political opposition regarding the US raid on Osama bin Laden's compound.
The future of Al Qaeda and its likely leader

Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden's chief strategist, is poised to take command of a group that has been in decline for years.
Why bin Laden killing won't dampen Afghan fight

Even though the Taliban has ties with Al Qaeda, the Afghan militants are focused on fighting a national insurgency, not waging global jihad.
Gray vs. black beard: It mattered to bin Laden, new videos show

US offers peek at 'treasure trove' of materials seized from bin Laden compound – the largest haul of 'senior terrorist materials' ever. Videos show a bin Laden careful with his public image.
What the world learned about Obama from bin Laden raid

Obama took office amid questions about whether he could be a credible commander in chief – and showed personal fortitude and command capability in the bin Laden raid. How long will glow last?
The bin Laden effect: How the Al Qaeda leader changed America

In life, Osama bin Laden made a huge impact on the US, all in the name of preventing another 9/11. If he and Al Qaeda fueled antagonism between the US and the Muslim world, they also pushed America toward a better understanding of the Middle East.
Terrorism & Security
Pakistan displays competing interests as it answers questions on bin Laden raid

Although it gave a heated defense of its commitment to fighting terrorism, Pakistan is now more focused on convincing the Pakistani public that it can stand up to the US.
Terrorism & Security
Bin Laden considered 9/11 anniversary attack on US rail system

The potential plot, sketched out in a vague note last year, was more significant in that it showed that bin Laden was not just a figurehead of Al Qaeda but an active leader.