On the symbolism of this.

[Zynx]

Just for people who like to be cynical and call this symbolic, I would remind them that terrorism itself is entirely symbolic. In terms of direct damage, 9/11 was comparatively modest. Its psychological and symbolic impact was massive. In the terms on which terrorists fight, this is equivalent to any of the greatest military victories in history.

[RainDog]

1. exactly. n/t

[FrenchieCat]

2. Not only that, but I"m sure that Bin Laden's location was chock full of intelligence.....

[Zynx]

4. Good point. I hadn't thought of that in my joy.

[The Magistrate]

3. Well Said, Sir

The 'oh no, now he's a martyr' line will fail as well.

The man was an energizer, and his reputation for craft and cunning and invincibility was a chief asset of his movement. That is broken to the dust, and cannot be raised up again.

[RainDog]

5. This follows on Arab Spring, as well

We see a new direction in possibilities in the middle east other than war - whatever the real politics may be - these are positive changes for Americans so that they can stop being so fearful of others' self determination.

This is an excellent opportunity to support more representative govts in the middle east - let people work out their own destinies - let us focus on creating energy at home rather than trying to control other nations for access to one resource.

It's really time for some forward thinking from our political leaders - it's time to look to the future without fear - and to acknowledge we have a future if we don't remain invested in fear.

[Old and In the Way]

7. Well said.

The death of OBL could be a turning point in our own history...a chance for a new chapter that reduces our strategic/economic interest in ME oil. I sure hope Obama seizes the moment and uses it as a catalyst for evolutionary change in our worldview and domestic economy...both are inextricably linked.

[RainDog]

10. Pakistan will be interesting to watch now

I wonder how much the ISI had to do, or not, with getting OBL, since he was staying at their retirement facilities. Quote from the Wright article link, below:

The fact that bin Laden was found in a compound in a wealthy retirement community populated in large part by former Pakistani military officers raises dire questions about the relationship of the Pakistani army and its intelligence community to radical Islamic terrorists. For the past decade, as America has poured billions into a country where about one in a hundred citizens pays income taxes, the Pakistani military/intelligence complex has gone into the looking-for-bin-Laden business. Now, they are out of business. If it is true that Pakistani intelligence was helpful in locating bin Laden, and kept that matter secret, then we can begin to sort out our fraught relationship with that troubled country on a more equitable, trusting basis. If that turns out not to be the case, then there will be a dreadful reckoning to come.

Read more http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2011/05/bin-laden-hey-hey-goodbye.html#ixzz1LB7aj8uu

[Old and In the Way]

11. I'm guessing that they are part of the problem, not part of the solution.

One of the reporters on NBC said that no operational details were shared with Pakistan because of concerns that OBL would be tipped off. Given their involvement with funneling $ to the 9/11 hijackers, I suspect that they might well have been protecting OBL while playing our intel assets....now that the death of OBL is 'official', it will be interesting to see how the dynamics of our interactions with Pakistan, the ISI, and the ME change with this event.

[Old and In the Way]

6. Won't OBL's death become a symbol of matyrdom for the true believers?

I understand the need for closure and the opportunity it present us to get past this chapter in our history...but I also can see how this could be played by Islamic radicals to incite more acts of future terrorism. I'd have preferred to see Osama captured, forcefully shaved and put in a business suit and stand trial. Let him take credit for 9/11 and insure his guilt or defend his innocence with proof. If guilty, put him away for the rest of his natural life in a place where he can rot away alone. If found not guilty....well, that's a whole 'nother story.

I can imagine how OBL's final moments could be spun in the ME as some kind of heroic battle with the evil forces of western civilization. We'll see if this mythology takes hold there.

[RainDog]

9. this guy has an excellent take, imo

Lawrence Wright has had a good eye.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1008472

[Zynx]

12. I'm not too worried about that. It may provide a temporary jolt to the terrorists

but it will mostly have a depressing effect. The fact that he had escaped justice for his actions was a much more significant catalyst for terrorism.

[TTUBatfan2008]

8. It isn't just symbolic though...

The man was extremely wealthy and no doubt had fundraising connections all over the world. Some of them will keep giving money, but not all of them. The organization very much thrived on Bin Laden's ability to organize and raise funds. This will hurt them financially over the long haul.