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COLUMBIA (WACH) - Most experts agree the death of Osama Bin Laden is a turning point in the global war on terror; however it doesn't necessarily mean the end of Al Qaeda.  USC Political Science Professor Harvey Starr doesn't think our troops will leave Afghanistan anytime soon.

He says the Taliban could once again become a factor in the war on terror.

"It's more than just a fringe, radical terrorist movement," said Starr.  "If in fact they want to be a part of governments and and rule again, they need to act like governments, sit down and negotiate."

Starr says Al Qaeda has lost some of its bite because citizens in tradition Muslim countries are embracing democracy.

"At the same time the West is supporting the mass of Arab people in their protest against autocratic governments, they've also killed the symbol of violent radical fundamentalism."

Starr says questions about the United States being in over its head were put to rest Sunday.

"There is no one on earth who should doubt American resolve, American commitment, and most of all American commitment to carry out what it says it's going to carry out."

We called the Islamic Center of Columbia for its perspective on this story, but were unable to leave a message.