Ayman al-Zawahiri named recent al Qaeda chief
S. to both substantiate his leadership and to lobby a comeback in favor of the death of his boss. Special section: The carnage of Osama bin Laden But top administration bureaucrat downplayed al-Zawahiris selection Thursday. plea escritoire Robert Gates alleged with the aim of the new-fangled al Qaeda boss lacks the allure and operational skills of Osama bin Laden. But he held the selection of al Qaedas previous rebuff. 2 to take bin Ladens place is a reminder to the terror convene is still not permitted near and have got to live pursued.