U.S. officials said that al-Qaeda might yet rally and that even its demise would not end the terrorist threat, which is increasingly driven by radicalized individuals as well as aggressive affiliates. Indeed, officials said that al­-Qaeda’s offshoot in Yemen is now seen as a greater counterterrorism challenge than the organization’s traditional base.

Originally posted by nixie_nox
www.washingtonpost.com...

U.S. officials said that al-Qaeda might yet rally and that even its demise would not end the terrorist threat, which is increasingly driven by radicalized individuals as well as aggressive affiliates. Indeed, officials said that al­-Qaeda’s offshoot in Yemen is now seen as a greater counterterrorism challenge than the organization’s traditional base.

I think this is why the death of Osama wasn't met with as much fervor as predicted. By making the al-qaeda group look so accomplished, and making them infamous, you set the ground work for more martyers, and yet more terrorist groups.
when one steps down, another will want to take their place. Though there is some credibility to the thought process that by dimantling the figurehead will lower the ire of any remaining members.

Despite being a bad guy, Osama was charismatic and a strategist. The question that remains here is can these groups produce another?

I would say they are on the brink of collapse due to American budget cuts so the CIA has no more money for Al-CIADA