Ayman al Zawahiri's death evinces a tactical win but also a broader strategic loss

The killing on Saturday of al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri serves the causes of justice and global security. It is a tactical counterterrorism victory that accrues strategic benefit via a weakened al Qaeda.

Still, that Zawahiri was killed after months of residence in the Afghan capital of Kabul evinces a broader strategic loss in terms of U.S. security. It proves the increasing confidence of the Taliban and al Qaeda in reconstituting their traditional, formal relationship as ideological and practical allies.

The Taliban explicitly disavowed this relationship as part of the Trump...