BIN LADEN IS KILLED
BIN LADEN IS KILLED
There is a big crowd forming in front of the White House as I write this on Sunday night May 1, 2011 . Normally when crowds gather in front of the White House it is due to protest. However, tonight the crowd is ecstatic and wavering American flags. For those that lost loved ones in the 9-11 attacks this day marks an historic occasion in America's war on terror. President Obama has announced that Osama Bin Laden, the Al- Qaeda leader who is the number one wanted man in the world is dead.
Here are some of the details known at this time:
In a rare Sunday night speech President Obama announces that Osama Bin Laden was killed in a firefight in Pakistan.
Osama Bin Laden was reportedly living in a mansion in the heavily populated city of Abbottabad which is approximately 80 miles away from the capitol of Pakistan Islamabad. The mansion had high walls and was heavily secured. Several families reportedly lived l there and the house allegedly had no phone or internet service.
The community Bin Laden was living in was reportedly very affluent and a common area where retired Pakistan military officials lived.
The Navy Seals led this mission that consisted of at least two helicopters attacking the mansion.
This mission was reportedly so top secret that no other country was informed of America's intentions.
IMPACT
Bin Laden's death will bring at least some closure to people who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. I think it is great that the United States have finally done what it said it was going to do almost ten years ago and that is to find the man most responsible for the 9-11 attacks.
Bin Ladens death further weakens Al-Qaeda, the terrorist network behind the 9-11 attacks.
This marks a big day for US intelligence and the special forces of the United Stated military.
QUESTIONS
BIn Ladens death also brings about a lot of questions and fears.
Will Al -Qaeda retaliate? Al-Qaeda is weakened but not totally dead. Some people have initially feared that Bin Laden's death will prompt attacks by AL Qaeda on American interests.
One big question is:
Did Pakistan officials know that Bin Laden was hidden in the city? Some American officials have long been suspicious of some Pakistan officials for harboring terrorists. Some people believe that they were protecting some of the top terrorists for the last ten years.
