As we enter a new chapter in history, we reflect on the happenings of the past, the struggles of the present, and the hopes and dreams of the future. In light of recent events along with the radical reform of the Arab nations, it can be assumed that the world in which we live will be changed monumentally. As new technologies develop and contact between people becomes easier and swifter, a new generation of humanity emerges - the good and the bad.
Al Qaeda's second-in-command Ayman al Zawahiri is the most likely to succeed bin Laden as leader. With him comes a greater emphasis on the utilization of the social media. To gain followers, Zawahiri has contacted individuals through sites akin to Facebook and Twitter, bringing his influence a lot closer to home. He has no doubt observed what the power of social networks can do to a country in turmoil, and has decided to adopt similar tactics. It's sad to think that considering the number of teenagers who use these sites, most of Zawahiri's converts are likely to be within that age group. Only time will tell how this unfolds, so speculation is useless. Yet one thing is for certain: the emerging popularity of the social media as a tool for terror has opened up plenty of crevasses for people to squeeze into, and will make it that much harder to track suspects in the years to come. A tough challenge. That hasn't stopped humanity before.
