It took many weeks for al Qaeda to announce its new leader . There are others in the organization , like American-born Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki , who were unlikely contenders but might have made a better choice . Comment: Al Qaeda is losing the war of ideas . Al-Zawahiri lacks the charisma and oratory of Osama bin Laden .
It took many weeks for al Qaeda to announce its new leader . Comment: Al Qaeda is losing the war of ideas . Al-Zawahiri lacks the charisma and oratory of Osama bin Laden .