Blog Posts tagged with "Osama bin Laden"

Reflections on Osama bin Laden's Death

It's been a long decade, but a key step in the global effort to end violent extremism has been achieved, executed by incredibly dedicated professionals.

There are countless ways to react to the killing of Osama bin Laden.  Many will celebrate.  Others will reflect on the sacrifices and losses associated with bin Laden and the violence he promoted.  Some will make jokes, and some will choose not to acknowledge his death at all.

As for me?  I choose to focus on the sacrifices of the countless men and women who helped to achieve this milestone and to remain focused on the work that lies ahead.  The death of Osama bin Laden, while significant, does not end our involvement in Afghanistan.  We will need to remain vigilant.

If you haven't done so already, you may wish to revisit the President's speech, and if you're willing to share your reaction to the news, I'd welcome it.

Adm. James Stavridis
Commander, U.S. European Command and
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe

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Comments: 14

by Dave Dymarcik, Sailor ret on May 4, 2011 :

Sir, My first thought was of disbelief. We've been close so many times before only to have him slip away. Next was pride. Proud of those who planned and executed the assigned mission so successfully. Now my thoughts turn to those we call our allies and suspicions that currently surround them WRT where UBL was found hiding. The job isn't over, but this is a definety a milestone in the fight against terrorism.

by Day of Justice on May 4, 2011 :

These men and women spend their lives fighting for us. God bless them all. I don't believe in hand-outs and welfare, but every soldier who has fought for us deserves their weight in gold, and more. They have earned it, and should all be well taken care of. Without them there would be nothing.

by Mrs. Nicole Walend on May 10, 2011 :

OBL is gone, but his ideas and influence are still here.

by Bob Stubin on May 4, 2011 :

Dear Admiral: As a Navy veteran, I was proud of our President' s courageous/risky decision and approach, proud of the terrific and amazing performance of our Navy Seals, proud of the courageous men and women in our armed forces, and proud of the great work of our intelligence professionals. We got this evil mass murderer.

by Nigel Porter on May 4, 2011 :

A oneway ticket to paradise courtesy of the US Navy SEALS, good job guys you have sent a message to those who terrorise and murder the innocent.

by Jim Hunsaker on May 3, 2011 :

I learned about OBL's death on Facebook. Social media has altered reality. First, I am overjoyed that OBL is dead. He is responsible for the death of so many innocents (Americans and others). Second, I am heartened. The Middle East is not the same place that it was in 1990 or 2000 (or 2001). Freedom has begun to leak in. Facebook and Twitter have been instrumental in the popular uprisings we have seen in the past several months. I am hopeful that freedom will continue to grow and the people of the Middle East (and Northern Africa) will work to establish the institutions that will support freedom. The only sure thing about AQ and the Middle East is that they are NOT static, but are dynamic and ever changing. There is no "finish line" in this race or contest and we must continue to support freedom.

by Hans Mucke on May 3, 2011 :

I did not celebrate yesterday, nor will I ever celebrate the death of Osama Bin Laden. He too was a human being and there is no reason to celebrate the death of a human being (and certain political reactions especially from the so called "christian-democratic" gov in Berlin makes me sick) However - remembering 09/11/2001 like it was yesterday - I consider yesterday a good day. Because thanks to those that serve they finally got "the guy" and he got what he deserved. As I said ... nothing to celebrate. But I personally can close a chapter in my life now, that has been unfinished for nearly 10 years.

by Christa Horvath on May 3, 2011 :

Thanks to the Navy SEALs for a job well done. And let's not forget the victims on that fateful day in 2001, avenged at last. God bless the United States of America.

by LT Todd Penrod on May 3, 2011 :

Admiral, I was overcome with disbelief. Then I thought, "Uh oh...what next?" Not just what next because of the AQ network, but also the political backfire from where the op took place. I also feel saddened that we have come to this point...where a nation rejoices at the fall of one man. How sinister he must have been...I pray we can move past this. V/r, TbP

by Alan T on May 3, 2011 :

Right on SEALS!! I would sure like to have shaken the of the guy who pulled the trigger on bin Laden. I just say great job, to all. Although bin Laden is now dead and buried, the war is not over. Please advise all our troops in the region to safe and careful. In their actions, be diligent. Your country wants you all. Thank you for the space Admiral. Best always.

by Kirsten on May 3, 2011 :

I am choosing to be proud of our stealth warriors. I am so proud to work to support their families. I am continually disappointed with the folks back home who chose to act as some people did on 9-11 in the Mid-East, by rejoicing. My warrior friends know that all aspects of war are difficult, involve trauma and sacrifice. The end of a war is worth rejoicing, but we are far from it. Thomas Friedman said it best last night. "America is the Fourth of July, not September 11th. " I salute our American warrior and am always proud of their selfless work. Thank you!!!!! These are moments to be proud

by James J Donnelly on May 3, 2011 :

I chose today, not to celebrate the death of a man, no matter how evil. I chose to celebrate the young men and women throughout our forces who sacrifice themselves daily for the betterment of people the world over. This successful mission is a testament to the hard work, daily sacrifice, and giving spirit of every service person who has volunteered to do the hard job of protecting us all. Celebrate their lives, their sacrifice, their sacred honor, and the profound ideals which they swear to protect, not the death of one very evil man. James J. Donnelly

by Christa Horvath on May 3, 2011 :

Admiral, We have not quite finished with bin Laden.This does not mean there will be no more attacks. Not even al-Qaeda and its affiliates Maghreb and Sahel will fade away quietly. There will always be groups claiming the trademark right to kill and kidnap, here and there. Morocco has seen this for itself. Haniya expressed his strong condemnation for the killing or assassination of any human or Muslim Mujahed, praying for mercy and acceptance of Bin Laden.In his speech for the reporters Haniya mourned Sheikh Osama Bin Laden as an Arab holy warrior. Thank you for preserving our troop, Sir.

by William D. Neff on May 5, 2011 :

My intention here is to inquire of the intent of the military regarding the "Army of One". When the Eagle returns, will those in power recognize his authority?

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