However, it's important to remember that it's a proper noun referring to the specific terrorist organization, not a general term.
The name itself is a play on words:
* "Al-" is the Arabic definite article meaning "the"
* "Qaeda" refers to a "foundation" or "base"
So, while "The Base" is a common translation, it doesn't fully capture the nuance of the name, which implies a strong, lasting structure and a foundation for future action.