AP Photo

Eleven years after its defining attack, al-Qaeda is a defeated organization - severely downsized in its operational capability, decisively disrupted in its ability to muster financial support, and tightly besieged in its recruitment and communications efforts. Still, in two important respects, the legacy of al-Qaeda continues to constitute a tangible threat for the international peace and stability. More dramatically, the lack of Western and Arab determination on the Syrian question is providing Al Qaeda with a worrisome comeback opportunity.