Osama bin Laden (al Qaeda)

Why? Bin Laden is Public Enemy Number One for his role in the September 11 and other terrorist attacks.

Who? U.S. military forces. There’s an outside chance that someone within the Islamist community may also try to kill him over doctrinal disputes.

How? A U.S. Hellfire missile delivered by Predator drone.

Then what? Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Laden’s deputy, would likely take over what’s left of al Qaeda’s core organization. Divisions among the leadership emerge. Regional “emirs” would also gain importance, because Zawahiri lacks bin Laden’s charisma.

Worst case: Not much of a down side, but there’s a chance that bin Laden’s “martyrdom” will inspire a generation of young Muslims more than his survival.