qaeda in the arabian peninsula, is of particular concern. >> reporter: but al qaeda core appears to be evolving. the man leading is now believed to be al qaeda's number two in command. the ultimate question terror analysts say is whether this new al qaeda still has the capacity to pull off another 9/11 style attack. the closing of the embassies, some of which are already like bunkers, are reminders the terror network can still make an impact. >> to some degree, there is at least somewhat of a propaganda victory for al qaeda. because they're forcing us, the united states, to act in a way that we otherwise wouldn't or don't want to. >> i think any fair assessment would conclude. >> reporter: as for those nsa surveillance efforts that have been leaked out in the next several weeks, lawmakers basically pointed to this terror threat in calling those programs a success, saying that they've