What is Al Qaeda?

Al Qaeda announced a new leader this morning. Ayman al-Zawahiri, longtime #2 to Osama bin Laden's, Dr. Evil, has been named the new leader of this terrorist organization. To me, this begs the question, not who but, "What is Al Qaeda?" Many times they are described as, "Muslim Extremist or Islamic Militants, Jihadists, etc." There is always a description that links Muslims and Islam to terrorist. Let's take a look at some of the more prominent faces of Al Qaeda:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/bin-laden-is-dead-but-al-qaeda-is-not/2011/05/02/AFZqpZbF_graphic.html

The faces of the bottom left and right may surprise you:

Anwar al-Awlaki

Nationality: United States. Holds dual American and Yemeni citizenship.Leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Adam Gadahn

Nationality: United States

Propagandist. Grew up in California and converted to Islam as a teenager. Moved to Pakistan in 1998 and appeared in several al-Qaeda videos. Indicted and charged with treason in 2006

From this day forth, I personally choose not to use any term to describe Al Qaeda, than simply referring to them as Al Qaeda. The faith of Islam, based on my own knowledge, is PEACE. But before I get off topic, back to my question, “What is Al Qaeda?” Are they simply a terrorist network? A very well-organized terrorist network with an Org Chart, succession plans, expense reports and healthcare benefits...not to mention hiring from within for positions of leadership.

To quote the Washington Post about the vetting and selection process of a successor:

Zawahiri, 59, is regarded as a deeply religious leader who had the skill and experience to help turn an Afghan guerrilla movement into a global terrorist organization. But he is also considered rigid and lacking in charisma, and terrorism experts say it is unclear whether he can rebuild an organization that has been under siege by U.S. military and intelligence forces.

U.S officials and terrorism analysts had speculated that Zawahiri might face competition for the job of al-Qaeda leader from other candidates, such as Libyan jihadis Atiyah Abd al-Rahman and Abu Yahya al-Libi, both of whom were considered more personable.

But the al-Qaeda’s general command put out a statement on Thursday announcing Zawahiri’s appointment, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors developments in radical Islamic groups.

Really, Zawahiri's weaknesses are that he is “considered rigid” and “lacking in charisma”; other candidates were considered because they are more personable...something about this synopsis really rubs me the wrong way. I'm not sure if it’s because we have the "intelligence" to gather this information, or if it’s the rational thinking makes me believe that the war with this "enemy" could indeed take 100 years (although the question was posed as Iraq) as John McCain stated during the 2008 Presidential primaries.

Will Osama bin Laden become the “Ronald Reagan” of terrorist cells worldwide? That charismatic leader that all vying for a position that he once held will strive to live up to.

Al Qaeda has [jihadist] websites, a la any “.gov” here in the U.S.; they have broadcast networks that lean towards their “political/ religious” positions a la FOXNEWS and NBC depending on your party. Al Qaeda even has different branches located throughout the globe a la the U.S. and military bases/ compounds. The branch that gives the U.S. most concern is in Yemen, which reportedly has emerged as the most powerful and active.

As much as it pains me to admit it Al Qaeda has a global presence, and operates as a Fortune 500 company or any other body of government. They apparently have a selection committee, board members and an unquestionable mission and vision for the world. So for me to finally answer my own question, “What is Al Qaeda?”

I still don’t know…