Washington – Al-Qaeda's new chief, Ayman al-Zawahri will have a hard time leading the Islamist group "while focusing on his own survival," a senior US official said on Thursday.
"His ascension to the top leadership spot will likely generate criticism if not alienation and dissention," the official asserted after an Islamist website said Zawahri had taken command of Al-Qaeda after the US killing of Osama bin Laden.
"No matter who is in charge, he will have a difficult time leading AQ while focusing on his own survival as the group continues to hemorrhage key members," the official said.
"The bottom line is that Zawahri has nowhere near the credentials that [Osama bin Laden] had."
