Reply #32: I dont think AQ exists

[Bhaisahab]

in the sense that a corporation or a government exists. the organization was wiped out- politically, militarily and economically- during the afghan war and post 911 clampdowns.
it exists, however, as an ideological rallying point, a symbol, if you will. the name Al Qaeda is used by diverse islamic terror groups to gain recognition for their deeds. these days, you dont get to hear "al qaeda" so much, but "al qaeda-afilliated" whenever the media describeds terror groups, and they themselves describe their organizations. seems to me every islamic terrorist is al-qaeda affiliated. which is true in an ideological sense, coz their agenda is the same as al-qaeda's was.
the perpetuation of the al-qaeda myth also serves the interests of the neo-cons, who can put before the public a name they recognize for any terror act.
and that's what i think.