He was counting on that in 2001, 2002 - didn't work. No one followed.
He knows his fortunes have declined. IMO Iran is propping him up due to their own geopolitical issues of the US being on their east and west borders.
No one followed? Methinks you aren't paying attention. All those foreigners streaming into Iraq have followed. The Morroccans trying to mount attacks have followed. Idiots like Richard Reid have followed. Despite the "3/4" numbers being bandied about, I'd go dollars to doughnuts he has more adherents today than 2 years ago.