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Discusses the future of Osama bin Laden's global terror network, Al Qaeda, since the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Role of Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar within the organization; Existence of cells of the Al Qaeda outside Afghanistan; Involvement of Al Qaeda in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; Development of Al Qaeda from a small outfit to a global organization; Advantages of the Afghan base for the network.

Examines the tactics of Osama bin Laden to manipulate Muslims and their feelings of alienation and anger. Popularity of bin Laden and his ability to create a sense of mystery about himself; Idea that the United States government wants to lower bin Laden's profile by talking about him less and reducing his media exposure; Questions concerning his Al Qaeda network and its ability to recruit suicide terrorists.

Discusses Mullah Mohammed Omar, leader of the Islamic Taliban militia. Reasons Omar does not allow himself to be photographed; View that terrorists faced in battle by the United States will be an elusive enemy; Statement of U.S. President George W. Bush that the Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden and his comrades in Al Qaeda; Outlook for a war against terrorism.

The article discusses U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. Biden has been one of few U.S. politicians questioning U.S. President Barack Obama's focus on Afghanistan and suggesting more focus be paid to Pakistan due to Al Qaeda having most of its base there. Biden is often thought of as someone who is unable to control their comments but he is often considered loyal and a benefit to Obama.

The article focuses on the terrorist organization Al Qaeda. Particular attention is given to the violent acts of the group during the summer of 2007 in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Article topics include the leadership of Al Qaeda's Ayman Al-Zawahiri and Osama bin Laden, as well as the affect Zawahiri is having on the organization's identity. The author reports that Zawahiri has provoked a potentially serious ideological split within the group over whether he is growing too powerful.

The article discusses the persistent presence of the Taliban and the challenges to peace in Afghanistan. High-ranking commander Mullah Sabir insists there can be no peace because of the desire to bring Islamic law to Afghanistan. The Taliban's leader Mullah Mohammed Omar has not been seen in years, but supporters say they will continue fighting for power. Topics include a brief examination of the Taliban's attitude toward Al Qaeda and internal fighting among Taliban members.

Discusses the troubling conditions in Somalia. Presence of Islamic radicals and Arab militants; View that Somalia is a 'mini-Afghanistan'; Past United States activity in Somalia, including the launch of Operation Restore Hope to save Somalis from starvation; Role of Osama bin Laden in the alleged 'humiliation' of American forces in Somalia; How Al Qaeda leaders apparently set up training camps in Somalia; Which fundamentalist groups are present; Outlook for U.S. involvement in Somalia.

Discusses the role which women play in Islamic fundamentalism. How women have been made central symbols of the struggles of Islamic Jihad, Hizbullah, and Hamas; Reasons the West is regarded as a threat against Muslim women; How Muslim women are treated by men; Efforts of Human Rights Watch to protect the children of Al Qaeda operatives.

Focuses on attacks on the Al Qaeda stronghold of Tora Bora in Afghanistan. Concern that some Qaeda leaders had escaped into tribal areas of Pakistan; Tribal leadership in the region and the outlook for the escape of Osama bin Laden.