Context
According to US media a transformation of attitude towards violence occurring in Middle East. A few years ago, the Arab World may have reacted to the death of Osama bin Laden with rage at the US. However, with the Middle East shaken by mostly nonviolent popular uprisings, the reaction to his killing has been muted- an indication that change is sweeping the region. For the new generation, the Tunisian young man who sparked a revolution by setting fire to himself is a better role model than Osama, whose concept of jihad and martyrdom has been taken over by more usual aspirations like good governance, free elections and end to corruption. However, despite the apparent change, the region is still home to some powerful extremist elements with an ability to inflict severe devastation, even with a relatively few followers.
