'Splainin' from the US: The administration is backpedaling on some of the claims surrounding Bin Laden's death. Perhaps he wasn't armed. Perhaps he didn't put up much resistance before being shot. Perhaps the woman previously described as a "human shield" acted of her own volition. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. Personally, though I find enormous personal satisfaction from his death, I don't think that the killing of Bin Laden will in any way represent a critical blow in the war on terror. Frankly, the protest movements igniting the Middle East are far more damaging to the terrorist narrative. However, I am immensely proud and consider it a true victory for Americans that after killing a universally hated murderer, we are actually raising and answering questions about whether or not proper procedures were followed. It makes me feel a rare sense of optimism that after 10 years of torture, disappearances and unending detentions, a respect for the rule of law (even in the case of a vile creature like Bin Laden), is slowly re-emerging in our government. Case in point.
On another note, the operation seems like it was much riskier than previously realized. CIA analysts were never more than 60-80% certain Bin Laden was there. Can you imagine the political fall out if SEALs were deployed to engage in a firefight with the wrong people?
'Splainin' from Pakistan: Pakistan spreads the blame for missing the 6'5" jihadist mastermind living down the street. I ask this: Considering that the US gives their ruling military billions of billions of dollars to fight terrorism, what incentive do they have to dry up that well of funding?
Not to gloat, but India would like to say "Told you so!"
How do you feel about the killing? I'm way down in the lower right hand corner, myself. Certainly, while I believe that there's a plethora of reasons to get the hell out of Afghanistan, the death of a single nutjob is not one of them.
I have to give it to Bush: Though I loathed him as a President, his commitment to not criticizing his successor (despite the behavior of many members of his administration), and his desire to stay out of the spotlight are pretty classy.
For an alternative perspective, the Girlfriend notes "He's an ass!"
A short history of kill teams.
A short history of villains.
A short history of lairs.
Libya persists even if it has been sidelined by Bin Laden. The International Criminal Court has ruled that there are reasonable grounds to pursue charges against Qaddafi forces. Really shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. I'm concerned though that this sort of thing will only prolong the war. Qaddafi is not going to be inclined to surrender to a rebellion that's (understandably), called for his head. He'll be even less inclined to surrender if exile means nothing but a quick trip to the dock to be tried for war crimes. It puts him in a position where continuing the fight literally and personally becomes an existential necessity.
Hamas and Fatah have formally agreed to form a unity government in Palestine. I think it was inevitable. It didn't seem plausible that the Palestinians would be ruled by two separate factions forever. In the short term though, it's going to make things very, very complicated for them. Bear in mind, half their government praised Bin Laden as a "holy warrior". Now that Hamas will be obliged to govern, they're now going to have to look for substantial aid from the West. Might be a touch awkward, you think? Regardless, one must always live in hope.
Amnesty International reports that camps for political prisoners are growing in North Korea. Given that the entire country is a prison camp, that seems somehow illogical.
Not exactly how I would rehabilitate my corporate image. That said, it does feel like a match made in heaven. Rumsfeld wasn't available, I guess?
I think it's thoughtful of the Pirates to make every conceivable effort to crush any hope of a halfway decent season so early. It'd be cruel to keep fans on the edge of their seats for any extended period of time.
In which a word is not used in an article about the use of the word not to be mentioned.
Why did he kill himself? Perhaps, he saw this coming.
In praise of dying broke. Screw the grandkids! Go out and get yourself a jet ski!
Astonishingly, not a 70's sexploitation flick. Frankly though, it should be.
Speaking of the Germans, they've brought us a step closer to the rise of the machines.
Sue Bait: Free stuff! Naturally, I'll be working. It's always a fun thing for the kids though. Bear in mind that by "free comics" they mean "comics that we don't really sell".
Have to get ready before work before too long. This makes me feel better about my job.
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