The Death of Osama Bin Laden: the End or the Beginning?

On 2 May, 2011, the entire world cheered over the report of bin Laden’s death at the hands of an elite Navy SEALS team.

But is it the end or is it the beginning of something worse to happen?

The incursion that brought about the al-Queda leader’s alleged demise certainly got the man out of the way. Just as equally, however, that same effort would incite the predictable retaliation by a group of terrorists known for indignant and hostile reactions based on a self-righteous mentality. The 9/11 attack is proof of this.

The rest of the world is awaiting the response to this—an outcome which is surely perceived as a travesty by his followers—and it will come. Where or when this will happen is unknown, but one thing IS certain: that expected response will be just as horrific and bloody as that which marked the event of 9/11. The nature of al-Queda will not permit any other possibility.

So what does the world do to prepare for this reaction? What approach do we take? What measures should be initiated? What attitude should we assume?

Although the man who had planned 9/11 is now supposedly gone, the danger still lurks, as if he is waiting to lunge out from beyond the grave. The worst part of it is that we don’t know when, how or where the al-Queda will strike, so we are just as helpless as we would be if bin Laden were considered alive.

Still, many people (undoubtedly conspiracy theorists) have questioned whether or not the man is truly dead, insisting that this might be some elaborate scheme devised to promote trickery for the purpose of . . . Yes, that’s a great question. What reason would there be to conduct some deceptive plot to make the world believe Osama bin Laden is dead? How would al-Queda benefit from this? Why now at this specific time?

I suspect that the Navy SEALS, who were there, would know better than anyone else whether the man is living or dead. The news that immediately followed their mission suggests their confirmation that Osama is, in fact, dead.

With regards to the unorthodox burial of his body at sea, this is no mystery. If Osama were to have been buried on land, many parties, including American forces, would have access to his remains; burying the body at sea would make that access more difficult. Cremation is a viable option, too. This particular choice of disposal (burial at sea), however, seems to suggest that something is amiss—such as the identity of the dead?

Perhaps Osama is faking his own death to eliminate himself as a target, or to prepare for some secret plot against another nation?

That is plausible, though fantastic. That wouldn’t be inconsistent with regards to the nature of the Taliban, though; this faction has been known to conduct its affairs in such a manner.

Still, if that were the case, why now, at this specific point in time?

So I ask again: are we in a more promising, advantageous position now or are we worse off?

Only time will tell.

One thing’s for sure: Whether or not Osama bin Laden is actually dead, the conflict between the free world and al-Queda is far from over.

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PERSONAL NOTE: These are merely my thoughts on the issue. I haven’t yet read the various articles, though I plan to do so soon. The myriad of points made above, in my perception, form the gist of the issue at hand. After conducting further reading on the subject, I will follow up with [likely] corrections and additional thoughts. If anyone has anything further to add, please feel free, only please be respectful of others. Antagonism, name-calling, verbal attacks and the like will NOT be tolerated, nor will they be published. Thank you.