We Got Bin Laden

[Censored by Laurie]

Well obviously OBL's post defense was lacking

While true, I think this statement really diminishes the clutch shot that guy from Team 6 hit...I mean, OBL put his best defensive wife on him but that guy is just a dead-eye shooter. Props.

The bigger question here is who really gets the credit...Bush or Obama...Bush certainly laid the ground-work, most of Team 6 was recruited and signed under Bush and we saw little bits of success...though nothing really sustained, but it was Obama's coaching and game-plan that really put this team over the top.

Are we at the point where we can say Bush was a hell of a recruiter, but just not much of an X's and O's guy...or is Obama the Barry Switzer of Presidents, winning with Bush's team?

[FirefightnRick]

Actually, it's not a distance requirement, and that you bring that up means you're missing UNT90's point.

Let's try this: Pakistan's government is sorely limited. Limited by resources, limited by its own people, and limited by corruption. They're also getting funding and training from the US military. Is it really in their best interest to make a huge to-do about some random handful of militants being turned into hamburger some long distance into a mountain range that is as sparsely populated as it is far from civilization? No, because the incursion is of little consequence when compared to the amount of assistance that Pakistan receives from the US. It is, however, a bigger deal when the incursion includes a series of aircraft, actual personnel going on the ground, the head of a terrorist organization, and all of this happening near Pakistan's West Point.

Pakistan may still not do anything about this because they are aware of their situation, but in the case of Bin Laden, they're probably a bit more motivated due to the amount of equipment and manpower used, the location and its proximity, and the target involved.

We can agree to disagree then. We have been in Pakistan for many years, including on the ground and have used aircraft as well, as my links above show. If anything you have proven my point as to why I think Pakistan would not have done a thing nor would it have been a big international blow up had the intel been wrong and the operation come up empty handed. That's just my opinion.

Rick

[UNT90]

shouldn't I get concept royalties for this?

[SCREAMING EAGLE-66]

First, invading a foreign country comes with consequences. We aren't facing any now due to the fact that Bin Ladin was found less than a mile away from Pakistan's version of West Point. It is painfully obvious to EVERYONE that elements in that government were harboring Bin Ladin. That is the ONLY reason that there have not been international consequences.

You act as if there would have been no casualties if Bin Ladin had not been in that compound. There would have been, and they would have been Pakistani citizens killed by Anerican forces that entered Pakistan in violation of international law,. That is more than a little bit of an international political problem. I guess we could have lied and said that crashed American helicoter was, what, a Russian helicoter? Think it through.

As far as Gitmo closing, well, Eric Holder isn't president. Pres. Obama said he was going to close it when he was elected and hasn't in over 2 years. He knows it is in the best interest of the US that Gitmo remain open for business. Problem is, he has people on the mid to outer edge of his party that completely bought into the "Bush is running an illegal prison because he is evil and wants to destroy America" account of Gitmo events, so he has to pacify them by making those type of statements. Much like the branch of republicans who refused to believe Pres. Obama was an American citizen. There are plenty of stupid people on both fringes.

My message to you is the same one I would tell any conservative leader: Stop making stupid arguments about things that you are completely wrong about and concentrate on what the other side is wrong about, mainly the economy and the path of socialism and national debt that this administration is taking us down. Focus on Pres. Obama's own campaign promises that he has violated and highlight that he violated them because he was 1) wrong, or worse, 2) knew all along that he would not fulfill them and only said them to get elected.

It sounds sooo petty to complain about the stick on which Pres. Obama brought you Bin Ladin's head.

--- A good post with reasonable thought.

--- I agree that there almost had to be some officials in Pakistan that knew or had an extremely good idea of where Bin-Laden was... the location is very suspicious besides.... near a military school and near many retired army personnel. How many houses that are unusually large (and noticeable) that are within a couple of miles of you do you not know or wonder about who lives there??

--- As for Gitmo... When any person takes over an administrative position they often learn that earlier opinions do change.... They learn about things they didn't know and even conditions changes as well.. [even in football coaches change game plans as the game changes] Gitmo is nothing like it was being operated prior to 2009.... a lot less people there and apparently not the same activities going on... we just don't know... but the worst of the worst are still there... and good deal.

--- on other issues, just remember when the debt went out of control and who had in charge of Congress for years before then .. [ they influence the budget more than the White House anyway.. they pass the legislation ] Some people simply vote on ONE issue {I don't want to get that started ] and not who is the most capable of running the government and doing what is right.

---If the guys in Austin had done what was right in earlier sessions Texas would not have one of the worst 3-4 budget problems... after all Texas may have the best economy in the USA now. Those who are in education [ students and employees] will get to "pay" for their failures.

--- I don't care politically who got him and hope no one tries to make it very political ... the important thing is ... we got him... and we are all better for it. The way we did it suits me fine... the situation seemed to indicate there were people in Pakistan that really shouldn't be trusted.... and we really don't know which ones.

.

.

Edited May 18, 2011 by SCREAMING EAGLE-66

[Army of Dad]

shouldn't I get concept royalties for this?

Only on GMG!

[KRAM1]

Unfortunately, there is WAY too much info about this mission in the public arena. The administration allowed way too much to be disclosed about the mission from the very beginning. While the names of those executing this mission have not been released their unit name, base of operations, number of those involved, etc., etc. has been released and this may very well put both the actual members of this team at risk as well as many others who had no part to play in this mission. This is the type of mission where details should never be used for "bragging rights" or a "we got him" show. Simply release the fact that the guy was killed during a successful an covert operation in Pakistan. Leave the rest up to speculation and plausible deniability for the safety and protection of those involved, their families and associates. The entire unit and base and all attached are now at an increased risk of reprisal.

The press and other media outlets can do as they wish and Pakistan can release what it wants, but the US should not be the one releasing anywhere this much info on this operation. Should not even have mentioned that it was a Navy Seal team that headed the mission.

Our son is a Naval Lt. and he (and all is Naval associates) was quite disturbed that so much info was released by Washington. He and his friends are convinced that this Seal Team Unit and its base of operations is now in much more danger that it would have been if so much info was not released. Sure, it might have eventually come out, but why so quickly from Washington?

May God bless and protect all those who serve this great nation of ours!

[Army of Dad]

Unfortunately, there is WAY too much info about this mission in the public arena. The administration allowed way too much to be disclosed about the mission from the very beginning. While the names of those executing this mission have not been released their unit name, base of operations, number of those involved, etc., etc. has been released and this may very well put both the actual members of this team at risk as well as many others who had no part to play in this mission. This is the type of mission where details should never be used for "bragging rights" or a "we got him" show. Simply release the fact that the guy was killed during a successful an covert operation in Pakistan. Leave the rest up to speculation and plausible deniability for the safety and protection of those involved, their families and associates. The entire unit and base and all attached are now at an increased risk of reprisal.

The press and other media outlets can do as they wish and Pakistan can release what it wants, but the US should not be the one releasing anywhere this much info on this operation. Should not even have mentioned that it was a Navy Seal team that headed the mission.

Our son is a Naval Lt. and he (and all is Naval associates) was quite disturbed that so much info was released by Washington. He and his friends are convinced that this Seal Team Unit and its base of operations is now in much more danger that it would have been if so much info was not released. Sure, it might have eventually come out, but why so quickly from Washington?

May God bless and protect all those who serve this great nation of ours!

I don't think the jihadists will want to mess with those particular SEALs. Now their families could be in more danger since this team is often gone for long (though unpredictable) stretches, but actually trying to assault their base would be the last thing they ever do.

In general, terrorists prefer soft targets and SEALs are anything but soft targets.

[KRAM1]

I don't think the jihadists will want to mess with those particular SEALs. Now their families could be in more danger since this team is often gone for long (though unpredictable) stretches, but actually trying to assault their base would be the last thing they ever do.

In general, terrorists prefer soft targets and SEALs are anything but soft targets.

I hope you are correct. I can only pray that you are. Wouldn't have too if so much info had not been released in the first place.

[UNT90]

In general, terrorists stupid criminals prefer soft targets and SEALs are anything but soft targets.

Fixed it.

Although, they are really the same thing.

[eulesseagle]

First, invading a foreign country comes with consequences. We aren't facing any now due to the fact that Bin Ladin was found less than a mile away from Pakistan's version of West Point. It is painfully obvious to EVERYONE that elements in that government were harboring Bin Ladin. That is the ONLY reason that there have not been international consequences.

You act as if there would have been no casualties if Bin Ladin had not been in that compound. There would have been, and they would have been Pakistani citizens killed by Anerican forces that entered Pakistan in violation of international law,. That is more than a little bit of an international political problem. I guess we could have lied and said that crashed American helicoter was, what, a Russian helicoter? Think it through.

As far as Gitmo closing, well, Eric Holder isn't president. Pres. Obama said he was going to close it when he was elected and hasn't in over 2 years. He knows it is in the best interest of the US that Gitmo remain open for business. Problem is, he has people on the mid to outer edge of his party that completely bought into the "Bush is running an illegal prison because he is evil and wants to destroy America" account of Gitmo events, so he has to pacify them by making those type of statements. Much like the branch of republicans who refused to believe Pres. Obama was an American citizen. There are plenty of stupid people on both fringes.

My message to you is the same one I would tell any conservative leader: Stop making stupid arguments about things that you are completely wrong about and concentrate on what the other side is wrong about, mainly the economy and the path of socialism and national debt that this administration is taking us down. Focus on Pres. Obama's own campaign promises that he has violated and highlight that he violated them because he was 1) wrong, or worse, 2) knew all along that he would not fulfill them and only said them to get elected.

It sounds sooo petty to complain about the stick on which Pres. Obama brought you Bin Ladin's head.

Excellent post--

-- The United States gives the Pakistanies enough money, covertly and overtly, to "just about" say and do anything we want for now. International borders have not meant a great deal to any country, especially the United States for bunches of years. Up to the sophistication of today's satelites the U.S. used various aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71. This type of "physical" incursion is less intrusive than the ever more prominent "fiscal" incursion of the IMF, World Bank and the other world wide financial institutions that make national leaders their puppets.

-- OBL, well there had been so many stories after this death...almost one countering the other...to make one wonder if this was really OBL or his double. I tend to believe that a man, with as many medical problems as reported to have, could have survived up to this point. If if died several years ago or last month is really a moot point now. We are all glad that he is dead. This will always be on some sort of conspiracy show.

-- Nobody is going to close Gitmo....this is just the end of many bunny trails that the press, through planned leaks and statements, run down to get the public eye off other intrusive topics. Case in point: Clinton going to war in Bosnia over his affair with Monica. Look at all the "crap" that news outlets cover -- both liberal and conservative -- and make news hourly, if not sooner now. Gitmo is a case of catch - release - catch/kill again. There is a high percentage of these released / "rehabilitative" prisoners being killed or captured again. Kind of like your everyday run-of-the-mill American common criminal released from American penal institutions.

-- There is probably not a great deal of differences between Republicans and Democrats. My analogy is that both parties are on the same train headed for the same station and every 2-4-6 years they allow the people to vote to see who is going to engineer the train. The train has "no" reverse just forward and toward a greater equality & fraternity for all....except them who hold "all power." Look back.....did Obama get us here, all at once, in one swoop of his power? nope, but he sure helped. The Bushes helped, Clintons....etc....The Congress helped as well as the support of certain laws passed by the Supreme Court. The debt has grown under each party and no party has done anything to reduce it except give "lip service" for votes.

Since the Rapture did not happen yesterday the Bible does point to a world headed for a "one world government" through one world leader. If you belive the Bible or not even the most ardent liberal/socalist believes in some form of one world government with either no borders or open borders (the same difference). One can best achieve this platform though financial control of the world since "physical" world conquest, of armies, has always failed and is nothing more than a mear distraction for those who wield real financial power.

[HoustonEagle]

Excellent post--

-- The United States gives the Pakistanies enough money, covertly and overtly, to "just about" say and do anything we want for now. International borders have not meant a great deal to any country, especially the United States for bunches of years. Up to the sophistication of today's satelites the U.S. used various aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71. This type of "physical" incursion is less intrusive than the ever more prominent "fiscal" incursion of the IMF, World Bank and the other world wide financial institutions that make national leaders their puppets.

-- OBL, well there had been so many stories after this death...almost one countering the other...to make one wonder if this was really OBL or his double. I tend to believe that a man, with as many medical problems as reported to have, could have survived up to this point. If if died several years ago or last month is really a moot point now. We are all glad that he is dead. This will always be on some sort of conspiracy show.

-- Nobody is going to close Gitmo....this is just the end of many bunny trails that the press, through planned leaks and statements, run down to get the public eye off other intrusive topics. Case in point: Clinton going to war in Bosnia over his affair with Monica. Look at all the "crap" that news outlets cover -- both liberal and conservative -- and make news hourly, if not sooner now. Gitmo is a case of catch - release - catch/kill again. There is a high percentage of these released / "rehabilitative" prisoners being killed or captured again. Kind of like your everyday run-of-the-mill American common criminal released from American penal institutions.

-- There is probably not a great deal of differences between Republicans and Democrats. My analogy is that both parties are on the same train headed for the same station and every 2-4-6 years they allow the people to vote to see who is going to engineer the train. The train has "no" reverse just forward and toward a greater equality & fraternity for all....except them who hold "all power." Look back.....did Obama get us here, all at once, in one swoop of his power? nope, but he sure helped. The Bushes helped, Clintons....etc....The Congress helped as well as the support of certain laws passed by the Supreme Court. The debt has grown under each party and no party has done anything to reduce it except give "lip service" for votes.

Since the Rapture did not happen yesterday the Bible does point to a world headed for a "one world government" through one world leader. If you belive the Bible or not even the most ardent liberal/socalist believes in some form of one world government with either no borders or open borders (the same difference). One can best achieve this platform though financial control of the world since "physical" world conquest, of armies, has always failed and is nothing more than a mear distraction for those who wield real financial power.

Holy Crap!!

[greenminer]

One can best achieve this platform though financial control of the world since "physical" world conquest, of armies, has always failed and is nothing more than a mear distraction for those who wield real financial power.

Only because I haven't finished building my Death Star.

[forevereagle]

Only because I haven't finished building my Death Star.

I don't think model building is another method of victory.