The Elimination of Osama bin Laden

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A recent monumental political event occurred on May 2, 2011, when al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was shot and killed in Pakistan by American forces. Many Americans cheered as justice was served to the man who masterminded the attacks of 9/11, which killed thousands of innocent Americans almost ten years ago. There is much speculation regarding the efforts of the military in apprehending bin Laden, as well as the political agenda of current President Barrack Obama and his role in the execution of the mission, as well as the role bin Laden’s death will play in Obama’s reelection as President. The death of Osama bin Laden and the residual effects that are bound to occur because of his death are not yet fully known, but there were instant effects that were felt throughout the world.

Shortly after Bin Laden’s death, he was buried at sea, and according to CBS News, a US official stated the burial at sea was due to the probability that no country would be willing to accept the remains, and to bury him on land could turn a grave into a shrine (CBS News/Associated Press). Rumor is that Saudi Arabia was asked to take the remains, but refused. Also, Islamic tradition is to bury a body quickly after death, within 24 hours (Time Newsfeed). The location of the burial has not been revealed, other than it took place in the Arabian Sea, by the USS Carl Vinson. The burial at sea, combined with President Obama announcing that the death photos of Osama bin Laden will not be revealed either, has led to many conspiracy theories on the matter. Many on both the left and right have been left to wonder if there is some truth to it being a hoax. For example, when Saddam’s sons were killed, they were paraded around, but bin Laden’s death is being kept ...

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...ow well Afghan soldiers can conduct order and combat within their country, and their ability to combat the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

As we can see, there is much information that is unknown at this time as to the long-term effects of bin Laden’s death, but we are able to gauge what the near future will be like, as well as start to prepare for potential retaliation and combat. However, we have learned that the death of bin-Laden does not appear to have an effect on the re-election of President Obama in 2012, nor has it seemed to have an immediate effect on our military. As long as someone is willing to step up as leader of al-Qaeda, there will always be strain between the United States and the Middle East. At least at this point in time, we can identify the cause of the strain and do our best to be proactive in defending ourselves.

Works Cited

Challenge of Democracy

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