The Intelligence from The Economist

Not-so-safe house: America kills al-Qaeda leader

Aug 2, 2022
The discussion dives into the implications of Ayman al-Zawahiri's death for global jihadism and U.S. counter-terrorism strategies. It also tackles a critical abortion rights vote in Kansas, revealing deep community divides. Additionally, listeners are introduced to Diana Kennedy, an iconic figure in Mexican cuisine, celebrating her dedication to traditional cooking. The podcast touches on voting trends and emerging AI technologies, showcasing their potential impact on business and politics.
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INSIGHT

Al-Zawahiri's Death

  • Ayman al-Zawahiri, al-Qaeda's chief ideologue, was killed in a US drone strike in Kabul.
  • This signifies al-Qaeda's continued presence in Afghanistan despite the US withdrawal.
ANECDOTE

The Operation

  • Al-Zawahiri was living in a Kabul safe house provided by the Haqqani Network, a Taliban-linked group.
  • The US used precise missiles to kill him on his balcony, avoiding civilian casualties.
INSIGHT

Al-Zawahiri's Background

  • Al-Zawahiri, a doctor and former Egyptian army officer, joined the Muslim Brotherhood and later al-Qaeda.
  • He became al-Qaeda's leader after bin Laden's death, but the group faced challenges from ISIS.
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