(Washington D.C. 5/3/2011) -- The death of Ben Laden -- the mastermind and the iconic face of al-Qaeda which has caused death and destruction in the name of Islam for the past 15 years - has led to a collective sigh of relief among Muslims and non-Muslims. However, we have to remember that al-Qaeda still exists as a loose network of regional groups fiercely committed to militant operations against their perceived enemies. These regional units can and will no doubt continue to operate. Why? Because each of them is focused on specific, regional grievances -- usually having to do with non-representative, unpopular governments whose power is supported by foreign countries. This situation leaves their subjects feeling powerless, and the fanatical few believe that they can resolve the issue through terrorist tactics. Many of these regional grievances remain.

Still, his death comes at a pivotal point in history. Majorities have taken to the streets in the Arab world to air their grievances through peaceful demonstrations, calling for the end of autocracy and demanding three things: freedom, dignity, and jobs. These popular movements have been successful in Tunisia and Egypt, and the U.S. under President Obama has stood with the majority -- as it is doing in Libya right now. The success of these popular revolutions -- and U.S. support for them -- has done more to neutralize al-Qaeda than all the drone attacks in Pakistan. We must keep the momentum going. Continued support for popular, representative, civilian governance -- rather than the non-representative autocracies we have often supported in the past for "stability" or "strategic interests" -- will further erode what little support al-Qaeda retains.

The deliberate killing of innocent civilians to strike terror in people so that they will change their system of governance is a politically motivated tactic, not a religious one. Respect for religion requires that we strive for the peaceful resolution of grievances, the fostering of justice, and the improvement of living conditions for all. Contributing to efforts to make a better future for Islamic countries that are trying to find their way toward a more democratic governance based on mutual respect, justice, and tolerance is something all of us can do. This is why CSID was founded 12 years ago, is open to people of all faiths, and has had programs in virtually all of these countries. Our recent annual conference focusing on improving the governance and economy of Egypt and Tunisia exemplified these ideals. As we approach the tenth anniversary of September 11, we at CSID remain as committed as ever to our fundamental mission. 

For the CSID Board of Directors:

Asma Afsaruddin

Chair of the Board

Radwan Masmoudi

President