Saudi Arabian security forces have done a commendable job finding, killing, and apprehending members of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula . They have raided houses, tracked down militants, infiltrated cells, brought down leaders, interrupted plots, confiscated weapons, and prevented explosives from crossing into Saudi from Yemen . This year, they have tirelessly pursued and cornered members and have definitely taken out all of the most talented operatives, to the extent that none of the original, hard-bitten, successful Mujahideen who fought in Afghanistan remain. Young men culled from the local population now fill the group?s ranks. Their last attacks, on the Interior Ministry, the Deputy Interior Minister , and the US Consulate in Jeddah were largely unsuccessful due to a dearth of military skills, leadership, and training among the remaining members of the group.

However, the group has vowed publicly to reconstitute its ranks (Intel Report). This may not be very difficult, as sympathy for the group?s cause in the country is very high, as high as 50 percent by some polls. Saudi Arabia is the world?s top terrorist production facility, and until they address the root causes of militancy, they will continue to face new terrorists and new terrorist groups, especially when the new generation of Jihad veterans ? those from the Iraqi insurgency – come home. They will replace the older generation of Afghani-Russian war veterans, bringing new training and military know-how with them.