At 10:00PM the death of Osama Bin Laden was breaking news in the United States. While US citizens across the world cheered, some finding their hidden patriotism broke out in song - the American Anthem no less - I sat in my room glued to CNN and contemplated what will all this mean.
For well over a decade, Osama Bin Laden has headed the United State's most wanted list. First brought to general American consciousness with the initial attack on the Word Trade Centre in 1993, he fermented the hatred many felt with the subsequent 9-11 attacks. For the military members, their families, 911 first responders and their families the death of Osama Bin Laden brings a personal sign of relief as well and perhaps renewed and increased hope, faith that the US wars in the region were not senseless. Their loss was not without reason and they have now been rewarded for the difficulties they have faced since.
Silently, I too rejoice, not at the death of a man, but at the removal of one of the grand masterminds of Human Rights abuses and chaos while wondering what this truly means. The death of Bin Laden signifies the end of an era for all involved, particularly Al Qaeda. The terrorist organization has lost a leader at the hands of one of it's most heated targets, will this not be greater motive to harm the institution that is the US? A more pertinent question maybe can this potential threat be actualized, without a central figure, does Al Qaeda have the required cohesion to continue? Will Bin Laden loyalist continue under his successors rule or will/has is death have/had enough impact to shake the resolve of Al Qaeda supporters?
--- gone to watch the rest of the news...To Be continued. ---
For well over a decade, Osama Bin Laden has headed the United State's most wanted list. First brought to general American consciousness with the initial attack on the Word Trade Centre in 1993, he fermented the hatred many felt with the subsequent 9-11 attacks. For the military members, their families, 911 first responders and their families the death of Osama Bin Laden brings a personal sign of relief as well and perhaps renewed and increased hope, faith that the US wars in the region were not senseless. Their loss was not without reason and they have now been rewarded for the difficulties they have faced since.
Silently, I too rejoice, not at the death of a man, but at the removal of one of the grand masterminds of Human Rights abuses and chaos while wondering what this truly means. The death of Bin Laden signifies the end of an era for all involved, particularly Al Qaeda. The terrorist organization has lost a leader at the hands of one of it's most heated targets, will this not be greater motive to harm the institution that is the US? A more pertinent question maybe can this potential threat be actualized, without a central figure, does Al Qaeda have the required cohesion to continue? Will Bin Laden loyalist continue under his successors rule or will/has is death have/had enough impact to shake the resolve of Al Qaeda supporters?
--- gone to watch the rest of the news...To Be continued. ---
