President Obama announced tonight that Osama Bin Laden is dead. A military operation comprised of elite special forces from the CIA and Navy SEALs conducted a raid on a compound located in Pakistan and in the ensuing firefight Bin Laden was shot and killed. Forensic tests have confirmed the identity of the body. Here is the announcement from President Obama.
Some questions to consider as we continue to learn more details about this historic event: How closely did the U.S. cooperate with Pakistan in staging this operation and how will it impact relations with Pakistan? Will the death of Osama Bin Laden accelerate or delay the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan? And finally, will al-Qaida be demoralized by this American victory or will they become even more radicalized as they seek retribution for their fallen leader? Like you I’m still digesting events and I’m sure we will learn much more in the coming days about how this military operation was planned and executed, but for now, I’m content to join in celebrating this great victory.
