WHEN most people thought the United States had given up the chase on Osama bin Laden, reputed leader of al-Qaeda, President Barack Obama announced that US forces shot him dead on Sunday in the Bilal area of Abbottabad, about 97km north of Islamabad, the Pakistani capital.

The helicopter-backed attack was executed with uttermost secrecy, an action that can worsen deteriorating US-Pakistani relations, especially with the discovery that Osama lived in the same neighbourhood with Pakistan’s officers corps when its government kept denying that Osama was within its borders.

In life or death, Osama who some intelligence sources said had died by December 2001 would remain controversial. The US’ decision to bury his body at sea, as it said no country was willing to accept the corpse, is another controversy.

Almost 10 years ago, al-Qaeda’s bombing of the Twin Towers, Pentagon and an attempt at the White House crafted 9/11  (September 11 – the date of the attack) into one of the most memorable days in history.

September 11 was an embarrassment to the US, which discovered how vulnerable it was within its shores. The attack killed nearly 3,000  people, overshadowed earlier al-Qaeda attacks on US interests, changed the global concept of security,  including checks on passports and procedures for air travellers.

Osama remained elusive. Some saw him in Afghanistan, some in Pakistan. Others  claimed too that he had died from battle injuries. Occasional videotaped messages in his name deepened the mystery.

“For over two decades, bin Laden has been al-Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies.  The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda. Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort.

There is no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.” Obama told Americans some of who were jubilant enough to pour into the streets.

There are fears  of al-Qaeda   attacks in response to Osama’s death.  It may want to warn that without Osama, whose personal wealth and business links provided logistics for al-Qaeda,  the attacks will continue.

Obama  tried to assuage feelings of Muslims. “We must also reaffirm that the United States is not – and never will be – at war with Islam.  Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.  Indeed, al-Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.  So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity,” he said.

Yet some will question the timing of the operation and the implication of US carrying out ground attacks in Pakistan without the government’s knowledge. This absolute disdain for its allies is a major flaw of US foreign policy even in dealings with Britain, Canada, and Australia with whom it is supposed to share intelligence.

Perhaps more disturbing is that US can  – under the guise of its war against terrorists   – intervene in some Arab countries where its allies are facing domestic uprisings.

The death of Osama may close one chapter, but could open others as factions of al-Qaeda could forge on without a central leadership until they wither under the  challenges of logistics to sustain their attacks. Vigilance remains crucial for the world to deal with al-Qaeda and other terrorists.