Shhh: Al Qaeda leadership decimated, complete defeat foreseeable
posted at 2:00 pm on February 3, 2009 by Allahpundit
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Election’s over. Now it can be told.
The officials say the terrorist network’s leadership cadre has been “decimated,” with up to a dozen senior and midlevel operatives killed as a result of the strikes and the remaining leaders reeling from the repeated attacks.
“The enemy is really, really struggling,” says one senior U.S. counterterrorism official. “These attacks have produced the broadest, deepest and most rapid reduction in al-Qaida senior leadership that we’ve seen in several years.”…
“In the past, you could take out the No. 3 al-Qaida leader, and No. 4 just moved up to take his place,” says one official. “Well, if you take out No. 3, No. 4 and then 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, it suddenly becomes a lot more difficult to revive the leadership cadre.”
It ain’t all good news — 100 operatives who trained at the camps are thought to be on the loose and the Taliban keeps forcing the U.S. to lower expectations in Afghanistan — but it’s a big deal. See my update to Ed’s post on the airstrike that took out the embassy bombers last month for a round-up of America’s latest, greatest hits. The pace is remarkably consistent: Every two months or so for fully a year now, one of the AQ illuminati has gotten a ticket to meet Allah. Something profound’s happened to our intel capabilities over there but I can only marvel at what it might be. More informants, sure, but how many and how close are they to the top? The more big fish we kill, the more paranoid AQ must be, yet somehow they still haven’t caught whoever it is that’s ratting them out. A French analyst told the LA Times as far back as last May that he suspected the U.S. is using better technology too, a point the NPR story supports in touting the advantages of the new Reaper drones over Predators. And yet … it seems like there’s something bigger going on. Maybe now that The One’s in office and good news is safe to report again (see also Iraq) the media will start sniffing around. Irresponsible exit speculation: Newsweek ran two fascinating stories in the summer of 2007 — not long before the airstrikes picked up — about feuds within Al Qaeda, one supposedly between the “Egyptian” and “Libyan” wings of the group and another between Zawahiri and Osama himself. Are these turds dropping a dime on each other to eliminate their competition?
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Bush to the Left and the MSM: “How ya like me now?”
BuckeyeSam on February 3, 2009 at 2:01 PM
AQ are breathing a sigh of relief that this was hidden until after the election. Now they can get an opportunity to regroup.
Vashta.Nerada on February 3, 2009 at 2:02 PM
We had four casualties in Iraq during January. That’s what they call a good day in Chicago.
JammieWearingFool on February 3, 2009 at 2:03 PM
I still want concrete proof of the disintegration of Bin Hidin’ and Zawahiri.
I do not want those cockroaches to die a natural death.
OhEssYouCowboys on February 3, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Don’t worry, President Ogabe will issue a few executive orders to stop the barbaric murders of these muslim “freedom fighters.”
Bishop on February 3, 2009 at 2:04 PM
See what happens when you write a nice letter to Iran, you warmongers?
Chuck Schick on February 3, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Don’t worry, Obama is closing down Gitmo, the leadership will be soon replenished…it is his version of the AQ stimulus plan…the good news is that AQ will be AFL/CIO union card members, and registered to vote since they have all lived in a U.S. territory for more then one year.
right2bright on February 3, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Where the hell is obl?
getalife on February 3, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Bush to the Left and the MSM: “Tell me how my ass tastes.”
nickj116 on February 3, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Dug in deeper then a prairie dog during a buffalo stampede…
right2bright on February 3, 2009 at 2:07 PM
AQ Leadership Decimated by Reaper Drones and More Cowbell…But Mostly by Reaper Drones.
/Ace
Christien on February 3, 2009 at 2:08 PM
I blame Bush (My favorite Commander In Chief)
hawkdriver on February 3, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Interesting bit on Obama and Afghanistan from Powerline.
Wethal on February 3, 2009 at 2:08 PM
The left and the MSM to Bush: “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Obama was president when this news came out. You had nothing to do with it. Nya nya war criminal.”
MadisonConservative on February 3, 2009 at 2:08 PM
the poor innocent religion of peace victims at gitmo should be let go, provided they stay in DC or NYC…
right4life on February 3, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Reid was not available for comment…
right2bright on February 3, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Where the hell is obl?
getalife on February 3, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Preparing for his new role as HHS secretary.
Either dead or hiding so deep that he hasn’t seen the sun in months.
Bishop on February 3, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Exactly, they will take credit.
carbon_footprint on February 3, 2009 at 2:10 PM
The MSM will give Obama all the credit, just give them a few days and the spin will begin!
Atlanta Media Guy on February 3, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Rapidly approaching ‘mission accomplished.’
whitetop on February 3, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Interesting bit on Obama and Afghanistan from Powerline.
Wethal on February 3, 2009 at 2:08 PM
If true, Ogabe needs to be removed from office.
Bishop on February 3, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Is killing him your bar for success? I’m glad you’re not in charge of national security. As a matter of fact I’m at the point where I believe liberals almost prayed he not be caught until george Bush stepped down. Like they claimed Conservatives prayed Eric Rudolph not be caught.
Two words: So what?
hawkdriver on February 3, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Think about it, Obama is negotiating a withdrawal while on the verge of defeating AQ.
Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory…
Unbelievable…
right2bright on February 3, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Don’t worry. If B Hussien Obama has his way, they’ll have fresh recruits in from Gitmo at any time now and those pesky drone strikes along the Pakistani border will cease so they can train in peace.
TrickyDick on February 3, 2009 at 2:13 PM
I wonder if Murtha is apologizing to terrorists at Gitmo?
grapeknutz on February 3, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Check West Wing.
IrishEi on February 3, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Al Qaeda leadership decimated…
but still showing more leadership than the Democrats.
SKYFOX on February 3, 2009 at 2:14 PM
I question the timing of this report!
/had to say it.
cs89 on February 3, 2009 at 2:15 PM
If they are “decimated” that means nine out of ten of them are still alive.
flyoverland on February 3, 2009 at 2:15 PM
If only the Socialist [well, Barack Obama, not FDR] had been President on December 7, 1941:
“The Office of the President of the United States of America to The Emperor of Japan:
Uh, let me be clear on this, uh, can’t we just, uh, forget what happened, uh, at Pearl Harbor, and, uh, agree not to fight? We, uh, we, uh, we can, uh, we can get past this.
All of my love, and my best to your family,
The Bringer of Utopia.”
OhEssYouCowboys on February 3, 2009 at 2:15 PM
…….. “good news is safe to report again…..”
Just think about that for a little while, then think about how our MSM has behaved over the last eight years……
………. and the toll it has taken on this country.
Seven Percent Solution on February 3, 2009 at 2:17 PM
It’s all Bush’s fault!!
And, we will never forget that, Democrats.
Conservative_SAHM on February 3, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Al Qaeda will be saved by Omama.
Maxx on February 3, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Hey Olby!
Yet more evidence of the pathetic legacy of the idiot Bush, right?
Heh, heh, heh…
Bruno Strozek on February 3, 2009 at 2:17 PM
The Left and the MSM to Bush: “Even less, BushieMcChimpHitlerMoronTorturer-in-Chief. YOU HURT INNOCENT PEOPLE!!!!!!!!”
capitalist piglet on February 3, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Jeremiah Wright is renting him a room in the big Tinley Park, Illinois, home that Wright’s church build for him upon his retirement. It has room for Pfleger, Richardson, now Daschle, and everyone else Obama has no need for.
Come to think of it. Has anyone seen Obama’s wife since the inauguration night parties?
BuckeyeSam on February 3, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Whether it’s a new intel method or people on the ground, I hope the NYT’s doesn’t get hold of it. THEY’LL PRINT IT FOR ALL TO SEE. Oh, maybe they won’t, seeing as Obama is president now. Wouldn’t want to undermine THEIR MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE.
Note to Pinch: When’s your next 14% payment due on the $250 million loan?
GarandFan on February 3, 2009 at 2:21 PM
One strike by Obama and the enemy falls apart.
THAT’S leadership.
notagool on February 3, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Obama’s presence is causing this
Defector01 on February 3, 2009 at 2:22 PM
If Bush were still in office (or had McCain won) we could have looked forward to those names emblazoned on page 1 of the NY Times any day now.
crazy_legs on February 3, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Come to think of it. Has anyone seen Obama’s wife since the inauguration night parties?
BuckeyeSam
No, but I think of her every full moon.
SKYFOX on February 3, 2009 at 2:23 PM
…..And in other news, the earth has healed itself and Al Gore was spotted in line at the welfare office.
It’s amazing…Obama’s power.
HornetSting on February 3, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Pretty sad that some of our cities are more dangerous than a country mired in civil war…
BadgerHawk on February 3, 2009 at 2:26 PM
the M.O. will be to over time, make it seem like everything was going horribly w/Bush and then w/Obama things like this started to occur.
much with how they were able to blame Vietnam on the GOP in the mush brains across the country
jp on February 3, 2009 at 2:26 PM
I’m sure Obama will thank the UN for this, too.
CookeyD on February 3, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Obama would need to push this off for at least a year or two in order to claim credit. I’m beginning to happily doubt he actually has that kind of Macchiavellian savvy.
Blacklake on February 3, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Yep, this all falls under the ‘See how much better the news is now that Bush is gone…’ meme from the MSM
AUINSC on February 3, 2009 at 2:26 PM
heads will officially blow up, when some Iraqi town creates a George W. Bush memorial
jp on February 3, 2009 at 2:27 PM
See, Obama speaks the truth. Not just words!!
His words have defeated Al Qaeda.
Bless him and praise him.
James on February 3, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Al Qaeda gave up because the One was elected to office.
Give it 3-6 months and the press will be giving Obama credit for defeating Al Qaeda.
albill on February 3, 2009 at 2:27 PM
I’d think that with the success of the surge and the drastic reduction in violence in Iraq, our intel has possibly been boosted by the Iraqis who now are not afraid to come forward with information.
Wileygrl3 on February 3, 2009 at 2:29 PM
I think it is great to know they are making progress against AQ but the fact is this is movement designed to survive. I think it would be a huge error to claim any kind of victory while areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, and other wonderful places remain safe operating areas for Islamic militants and terrorists who want to do the US, the West, and our regional allies harm through acts of terror.
lexhamfox on February 3, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Probably because it’s not just one individual. It’s probably our ability to implant spy tech on the ground, kind of how the enemy had the ability to implant IEDs that went undetected until be developed the ability to sniff them out.
And I don’t think Bush had any illusions about the long term view of success in Afghanistan. But I do think that Obama is the one that raised expectations for Afghanistan. To me it seems that Bush’s view was to push the Taliban back to the border, try to keep them there, make them Pakistan’s problem, kill as many AQ in the NW Territory as we can and start from the ground up literally in developing Afghanistan into a country that doesn’t harbor terrorist. Bush understood very well the challenges in Afghanistan that go way beyond religion.
Texas Gal on February 3, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Fight on for good diction, comrade – but considering how popular the malapropism has become, the struggle may be hopeless.
CK MacLeod on February 3, 2009 at 2:31 PM
And doing it before he was elected.
a capella on February 3, 2009 at 2:32 PM
So, this is what Obama considers when he apologizes for the U.S. being unfair to the Muslim world?
cntrlfrk on February 3, 2009 at 2:33 PM
I agree to a point, seeing as whenever someone steps up to take a leadership role in AQ, he either is captured, or turned into ground beef by our wonderful military, not too many want to take the leadership role. So it might not be a complete victory, but it will never have the capabilities it did pre 9/11.
MDWNJ on February 3, 2009 at 2:34 PM
It’s the Democratic way.
MarkTheGreat on February 3, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Exit question: has any President in history been as clearly set up for success by his predecessor (at least in foreign policy) as Barack Obama?
All he has to do is not screw up what’s already been done – and then cheerfully take all the credit.
It sucks, I guess. But historians will set the record straight.
Professor Blather on February 3, 2009 at 2:34 PM
I’m going to miss that picture of W.
KelliD on February 3, 2009 at 2:34 PM
You know maybe if Obambi really looked at FDR’s example of getting out of an economic crisis, he declare a full on war against Afghanistan and ramp up the military industrial complex. You talk about a stimulus, nothing beats a full on war.
Iblis on February 3, 2009 at 2:36 PM
She is “touring” all the major offices of the different cabinets.
She was at the Secretary of Education either yesterday or this morning.
right2bright on February 3, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Everytime I see Olby on TV now before quickly switching the station, I happily remember how Ann Coulter recently described him on TV recently: a 57-year-old woman in a man’s body. Perfect fit.
Travis1 on February 3, 2009 at 2:40 PM
But I thought killing them just made them stronger? Didn’t we take our eyes of the ball by invading Iraq?
Dudley Smith on February 3, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Thank you again, Mr. President. And I am referring to Mr. Bush.
Malpaso on February 3, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Did things get better after Musharraf left office?
rbj on February 3, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Not fer nuttin’, but it sure is nice to hear of good news for the USA treated as good news in its own press.
That, alone, we have to thank Obama for. Good news is good news, once again.
ChipDWood on February 3, 2009 at 2:44 PM
This is great news. I think the new success is more our recognition that Pakistan ain’t going to do anything important for us. When we started doing it ourselves, we started having success.
Also, while I understand the difficulty in the terrain, we have certainly been there long enough to figure out approximately where they are and set up surveillance equipment that they would not be able to detect. It’s possible we’ve just got some James Bond America over there, but I somehow doubt that’s what is going on here.
Good job America.
ThackerAgency on February 3, 2009 at 2:45 PM
getalife: “Where the hell is obl?”
He’s at the back of the cave at the end of a trail of urine, breathing hard into a paper bag.
Tantor on February 3, 2009 at 2:47 PM
WOW, that was close, Obama can now give them time to recover.
tarpon on February 3, 2009 at 2:49 PM
And I do believe so will George Bush and Dick Cheney when they write their books. W has already said he will be writing one, I asked him (in my thank you card to him) to write at least one for each year in office.
I expect that Dick will soon be so bored, he too will write a book and Mrs. Cheney is already a very well versed and published author of history books for children.
I don’t think we will have to wait too long!
Texas Gal on February 3, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Interesting exit speculation.
I think it might actually be something a bit more profound. Instead of al Qaeda intramural fighting, I think it is Mehsud and his fellow Taliban dropping the dime on al Qaeda. Mehsud has aspirations beyond just being a local warlord; and taking on the Pakistani military shows that he’s got the fighting force capable to fully destabilizing the regime in Islamabad.
While the Taliban are supposed to be known for their hospitality, their newer leaders are probably realizing just what a bad idea it is to have ‘em in their midst, and so are informing us of their whereabouts.
lawhawk on February 3, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Answer = nope.
That’s not the only area in which Bush has set the table. Everything from “Economic Stimulous” to allocating extra cash for his inauguration, the left’s favorite enemy has gone well out of his way to cross the aisle and welcome his successor with open arms.
The irony in it all of course will be that moment of realization for many lefties when they realize that they’ve voted in the very thing they thought they were voting out, and voted out one who handled things with more grace than could ever be seen through prism of the modern press or encapsulated by even an admittedly effective cult leader.
ChipDWood on February 3, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Our intelligence was caught flat-footed on 9/11. Our military performed brilliantly in Iraq going in, but struggled to adapt, and then after the surge was adopted, brilliant again! This is indeed good news! Now our intelligence is so good, they don’t know who is among them and Gen. Petreaus is in charge of all military operations in that area. I gotta hand it to both our CIA and military, they are not too BIG to adapt to a changing environment. This says a lot about their capabilities. CONGRATULATIONS! And thank you, President Bush!
JAM on February 3, 2009 at 2:57 PM
ok, my posts are going to la la land. I’ll try it again with edits.
I thinks it’s due to all the “little blue pills” that the military is giving to the tribal elders!
Aggie85 on February 3, 2009 at 3:01 PM
on Monday’s Late Show … NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams expressed his pleasure at seeing so many people “that excited about our new chief executive after a line of what the ordinary voter would maybe describe as bad choices or choices of evils, for years, generations.”
Take this Williams, you turd ball:
The officials say the terrorist network’s leadership cadre has been “decimated,” with up to a dozen senior and midlevel operatives killed as a result of the strikes and the remaining leaders reeling from the repeated attacks.
Mr_Magoo on February 3, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Interesting..it would make sense seeing the Taliban lost control of Afghanistan after AQ was targeted there after 9/11..Taking orders from a troll living in a cave may finally be getting to the sensitivities of the Taliban who’d like to get back to the business of beating women in burkas.
Wileygrl3 on February 3, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Sort of gives new meaning to the phrase “Bush did it.”
KillerKane on February 3, 2009 at 3:08 PM
I hold President Bush and our military totally responsible for this. Without them and their unwavering commitment to the saftey and security of this country God knows where we would be today.
For those who have served, Thank you and God bless you and your families. For those still serving, you are always in my thoughts and prayers. God speed.
milwife88 on February 3, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Give Obama 4 years and Al-qaeda will be back to normal and it will be to our next dragon-slayer-in-line to finish it off.
Thank you President Bush for standing strong.
Thank You America( for ridding the world of this menace).
promachus on February 3, 2009 at 3:13 PM
“I want justice,” Bush said. “And there’s an old poster out West… I recall, that said, ‘Wanted, Dead or Alive.’”
I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride, wanted, dead or alive.
getalife on February 3, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Wait, this news and AQ in disarray?
These aren’t the dems I thought I knew….well at least for now.
Right-brained on February 3, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Obama’s exit statergery…
Expect someone in the Islamic community to drop a dime on OBL within the next few weeks… and we will kill him.
The Islamists in Pakistan will then declare a Hudna, Obama will declare victory, and accept.
Barry will then start to draw down our troops in Afganistan because of the supply line problems…
Within 2 years, a resurgent Al Q, under a new name and management, using the Martyred Osama Bin Ladin as a rally point, will surge from Pakistan into Afganistan, causing that Government to fall… and then the border regions of Pakistan, and Afganistan, will declare themselves the start of the new Caliphate, with Iran supplying the arms.
THEY WIN if we agree to a Hudna… as the Dems will declare victory, and pull out.
Romeo13 on February 3, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Gee if this is true
I wouldnt be surpirsed if the liberals
All claim that the victory is theirs because
Al quedia gave up because they
TALKED them to DEATH..
I would be very suprised if ONE liberal
ust one actually gave the credit to
a. Our fine soldiers who remained steadfast even during the liberals acts of public treason
b. our fine officer corp
c. our former president (who despite) every attempt by the dems and liberals to SURRENDER as FAST as possible
stayed steadfast even when eveyrone said he was wrong..
Liberal morons
They will still find some way to blame bush..
except they cant this time.. for to do so would mean they would have to aknowledge that Bush was RIGHT all along..
They cant do this they would rather committ treason..
jcila on February 3, 2009 at 3:33 PM
OH, forgot the other Arrow in the quiver.
Mexico is in real trouble, and if it falls, Americas power will have to be used there, not in the mideast… sooooo…
Look for Iran/Islamist arms support for Mexican drug gangs and such… its just too easy of a way to influence what America does… and could be done pretty cheaply.
Romeo13 on February 3, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Normally, we have the ability to track from known movement points inside Pakistan as they head towards Afghanistan. They found that out in Jan 07 during the first annual Hellfire Olympics.
hawkdriver on February 3, 2009 at 3:36 PM
I’m in Phoenix and trust me..the ugliness has already begun. The only Mexico policy Obama seems concerned about is the Mexico City Policy to send tax-payor dollars overseas to fund abortions…nice.
Wileygrl3 on February 3, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Thank you President Bush. Thank you Troops and families of Troops. Thank you to everyone who helped defeat these bastards. Keep up the great work.
Obama, pay attention and DO NOT LET UP.
Geronimo on February 3, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Thanks for that info. I know that if we let our military do its job there isn’t an entity on earth that can deny our guys. When we want to fight on the cheap or on the outsource is when we don’t have success. America has the greatest fighting machine ever assembled and our men (and women) are better prepared, equipped, trained, and disciplined than anyone.
Good job America. . . all involved. Be safe, finish the mission, come home!
ThackerAgency on February 3, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Smacking poisoned apples with a stick has no effect on the tree.
BL@KBIRD on February 3, 2009 at 4:24 PM
TA, I have said here before though, that pakistan is still vitally important as far as their cooperation in the logistics of our operations. Everything by air would make the war significantly more expensive to prosecute. We owe them that. Now if we could just kept the buggers from stealing my socks out of the MILVANs.
hawkdriver on February 3, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Good grasshopper. Now try to snatch the pebble from my hand.
hawkdriver on February 3, 2009 at 4:34 PM
glimpse into the future, the year is 2025:
-Al Qaeda has been completely defeated, however:
-’moderate’ muslims have become majorities in all countries
-they have voted themselves into power and established Islamic rule
-criticizing Mohammad or Islam leads to an immediate death sentence
-democracy, infidel holidays, all other religions are banned
-all non-muslims must convert to Islam or face being captured/tortured/killed or forced to pay jiyza and live as ‘dhimmis’ (protected ones)
who won again?
thinkagain on February 3, 2009 at 4:46 PM
BUSH LIED, AL-QAIDA DIED!!!!!!!
Wait, What ???
DamnYankee on February 3, 2009 at 4:49 PM
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