The big thing here in this discussion of EBO –that is being left out is the answer to this question:

Is US in theatre intelligence in Pakistan getting better? Is US strike ability into Pakistan improving.

If the answer to both of these are yes…then AQ has a problem of which they are well aware.

Its probably no coincidence that soon after
al-Saudi was hit Ayman al-Zawahir warned US president-elect Barack Obama against sending more troops to Afghanistan saying that US policy was “doomed to failure” in an Internet audio message.

Why would al Zawahiri make such a statement.

The problem of senior staff getting hit would be best solved by AQ standards if American will to win the war was sapped.

Why?

AQ solutions to the problem of improved intelligence and improved strike ability will make them either more vulnerable or more ineffective in their sanctuaries.