There is no question that Osama bin Laden’s death is a significant milestone in the U.S. fight against Al Qaeda. But the youth-led uprisings in the Middle East ultimately pose a greater threat to Al Qaeda than bin Laden’s death. It is therefore critical that the United States maintain support for the revolutions’ call for political and economic reforms as they continue to unfold.

The death of Osama bin Laden like the Arab Spring signals a possible turning point in the Arab and Muslim world and an opportunity to strengthen U.S.-Muslim world relations. The killing of bin Laden in Abbottabad is a major psychological blow to al Qaeda, who lost a charismatic leader, and global terrorists for whom he symbolized their militant jihad.

In Egypt and Tunisia, Facebook helped foment democratic uprising. But on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, US soldiers are now, with increasing frequency, turning to social media for an equally pressing purpose: To save their lives.

At Erdogan's initiative, Syria and Turkey in 2009 abolished visas for their citizens traveling between the countries, held joint cabinet meetings and conducted small-scale military exercises. Turkish exports to Syria are booming. This type of integration has been the cornerstone of Turkey's much-heralded "zero problems with neighbors" policy.

"It was the soft power of Ghoneim and his associates, not bin Laden's crude power, that led to regime change" in Egypt says Khalil el-Anani, referring to the former Google executive who became the face of the youth-driven protests in January.

Ambassador Mahmoud Dirir, who led the 48 member Egyptian public diplomacy delegation to Ethiopia, told WIC that Dr. Essam Sharaf, premier of Egypt, is scheduled to meet with Ethiopian counterparts to discuss relations between the two countries.

The fire of the Arab awakening is now catching up with the Syrian youth. The streets of Arab countries, following a long period of oppression, are continuing to vent their anger until they attain freedom or the cold kiss of death.

Mehmanparast said the West has taken contradictory approaches toward popular uprisings the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in Libya and Bahrain, Tehran Times correspondent reported from Havana.