Bin Laden's Death: How Will It Affect War On Terror?
BOSTON (CBS) - The death of Osama bin Laden sparked celebrations around the world.
But what does it mean now for U.S. security and the war on terrorism? It would be comforting to think that the death of Osama bin Laden means that the United States, or the world in general, is safer from terrorism. However, it may not be true - especially in the short term.
"It will be likely that there will be some retaliation strikes," according to Peter Krause, a Research Fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
"When you look at groups like this who have used terrorism before, when they lose a major leader, they want to strike back to show that they're strong, to show they're still breathing," Krause said.
WBZ-TV's Jim Armstrong reports.
Most at risk are American targets overseas, particularly those in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Less likely, but not impossible, is another attack on United States soil.
To be sure, al Qaeda isn't as strong or as organized as it was a decade ago. But it's not going anywhere.
"The chapter has ended, but the book hasn't ended by any means," explained Krause. "I think Americans should keep their guard up, should be paying attention to what's out there. Nonetheless, in the longer term, this definitely has the impact of weakening al Qaeda, at least the central leadership."
Ambassador Charles Dunbar specialized in the Middle East and Northern Africa during his more than 30 years with the State Department.
He agrees. Americans need their guard up right now. But in the long term, he says killing bin Laden will not cause problems for the U.S. within the Arab world.
"There will be understanding that the United States has done what it had to do," said Dunbar, who is now a professor in the International Relations department at Boston University.
"Killing Osama bin Laden was a successful pursuit of a vital U.S. interest. It will be recognized as an act of legitimate vengeance, of settling the score with someone with whom we had to settle the score."
