The Economist: "Is violent jihad an ideological spent force?"

Following the release of statistics from a Pew survey showing that al-Qaeda’s appeal is declining among Muslim publics, The Economist asks: “Is violent jihad an ideological spent force?”

“The death of Osama bin Laden has prompted many questions about his influence and that of the ideology he espouses today. In Muslim countries, it has been declining. In our leader this week, we argue that his brand of brutal jihad is losing its appeal in the Arab world. But al-Qaeda has threatened to launch a fresh wave of attacks in response to Mr bin Laden’s death. Many are worried that violent Islamism may hijack the pro-democracy movements sweeping the Middle East. Nearly a decade after the 9/11 attacks in New York, is violent jihad a spent force? Cast your vote and join the debate in the comment section below.”

Vote on the question “Is violent jihad an ideological spent force?” and join the Economist debate here.