favourable headlines

Submitted by myth (Germany), May 2, 2011 at 09:10

There were three choices made by the US government which deserve some attention.

1. Bin Laden was killed not captured. I believe this is the wiser choice for I do not want Bin Laden to have media attention sitting in Guantanamo for years on end or even in the international court in The Hague.
2. There was certainly an option to bomb Bin Laden's hiding place using a drone. Luckily the killing was done finger-on-the-trigger. As a result the USA can give account of what actually happened and by doing so assume responsibility in a way that is understandable to the world.
3. The US government, as far as I know, did not involve the Pakistani government in the operation. Again, a wise choice for there are no obscure stories of innocent victims and nobody can accuse the US to interfere with domestic politics of Pakistan. This is some contrast to Obama's style of talking with all kinds of governments seeking some wider agreement.

Looking back at the failed attempt to free the hostages in Iran some decades ago was certainly the low-point of the US' capability of military intervention. With the killing of Bin Laden they regain that lost credibility. Every US soldier in a dangerous spot is going to benefit from that reputation.

While the Iraq war demonstrated supreme firepower of many, the killing of Osama bin Laden indicates dedication and skill of a few men. Their goal, to protect their own citizens at home, can hardly be questioned.

Will this help in the fight against islamists ? Should the USA go after white-collar islamists in the same way, I think it will. On the media front it is a big victory. When was the last time somebody saw lots of people waving american flags and celebrating ? Have we not almost accepted the idea that it would be muslims shouting and burning american flags day in, day out on tv ? Victory and flags still make favourable headlines, a lesson to learn.

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