[quote]k-dingo wrote:
So, interesting bits and observations.
The 1AM (US/Pacific) NPR newscast doesn’t identify the US forces used – I’ve seen Navy SEALS named by several sources, one Arabic YouTube newscast claimed CIA involvement, though I suspect speculation. In the program, there’s speculation of a mix of assets.
We tracked bin Laden as we had in the past: through communications. When he gave up technological means of communicating, we identified his human couriers. Interesting in that regard as while it’s relatively easy to swap out radios or cell phones (and encrypt traffic). The compound itself was identified by its characteristics (high walls, secure, no telephone lines, residents burned their trash rather than leave it for pick-up).
There are photos of the dead body circulating, seen in videos, but labled released by the US Pentagon. He looks better to me than he has in years. I’m sure it’s Googleable by now.
The body’s reported to be disposed of, at sea, in accordance with Islamic rites. This avoids creating a shrine, and deprives the enemy of another claim against us. Similar to scattering Hitler’s ashes. What I wouldn’t do for a little bacon grease though… I’ll just have to toss some drippings in the ocean next time I’m out.
International response from allies is (unsuprisingly) very supportive. International response from the Palistinian Authority is … very supportive. I suspect the only country which might possibly spill tears is PRK.
The story of the safehouse in Abbotabad, and its proximity to an ISI (Pakistani military) faclity (just a few meters from it) is looking really, really bad for the Pakis. Reports are that it was constructed around 2005, is valued over $1m, and was registered to a low-income individual (postal carrier or some such in one news commentary). Pretty … unlikely. Mind, there’s possibly just a bit of oddity and corruption in some areas of the world, possibly even in US real estate. But this smells pretty bad.
This guy (“ReallyVirtual”) apparently live-Tweeted the whole raid without realizing it: http://bit.ly/lXosBX
For the interesting and uncensored spec on the compound, look to the Indians (not particularly friendly with the Pakis): http://bit.ly/ip92ye (Bin Laden’s death: Hillary Clinton nearly blew the whistle on ISI safehouse).
Bin Laden may just have been a figurehead of Al Qaida in recent years, but he was still the spiritual leader (and possibly financial leader) of the organization. I don’t expect it will fall to pieces immediately, but I suspect this will be a very strong blow to its cohesion, and will make recruitment, particularly of capable leaders, more difficult. I hope.
All told: Very professional job on the part of US forces.
Very competent direction and follow-through on the part of Obama. Well done.
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Good Info , It sounds the smartest way to depose of the body.