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Osama My Ass before/after
The US has always had a boogeyman. Sometimes these characters are fully deserving the title of "monster", ( Adolph Hitler, Joeseph Stalin, Saddam Hussein), and sometimes not. (Fidel Castro, Daniel Ortega).
Our latest boogeyman is Osama Bin Laden.
Ultimately, we will soon see the head of Osama Bin Laden on a pole, regardless of his involvement of the current tragedy that has befallen the US. Such an act will give the US to 'clean house' as they say, and all enemies of the state will be linked to this tragedy. (Lesson learned: History is writen by the winners. Don't Be a Loser.)
I'm all about it. Osama Bin Laden looks and sounds like a raging asshole. We have plenty of good reasons besides what has currently happened to provide enough cause to help him into the afterlife.
Our culture will not understand that perhaps some of his statements are emblematic of some middle eastern cultures, where a certain false bravado and double speak is much more than intended, instead it is in certain face saving moments or times of perceived leadership absolutely necessary, regardless of the veracity of the claims that are made.
Having said this, its definitely possible, if not very likely that he did it. Even though in a rough estimate of dollars it would take to accomplish this horrific feat, the operation is actually relatively cheap, considering the relative impact, most terrorist organizations don't have the resources to carry this from inception to completion in the form of multiple semi-independent cells that it took. Most terrorist organizations are cheap, rag tag elements so disenfranchised from their culture and society, that terrorisim is what they perceive as the only means to power. Why carbomb when you can buy a tank?
If they had that much cash to train and fly their people like so, then many of these terrorist organizations would be the ruling faction in their homeland, or at least have enough cash to go someplace else and lobby for change. Or otherwise do something of this nature to where it would have more direct effect to bolster their cause, ala' the Chechneyans. Terrorist gorups with money form armies, and force their agenda on their homeland. Bin Laden is one of the few terrorist organizers that have focused solely on the US, and is a deranged mass murderer galavanting in the guise of a religious crusader.
When it comes down to it, it would not be a surprise to see multiple sponsors. Osama Bin Laden in concert with some other state or states, such as Iraq or Afghanistan. Afghanistan most likely by its passivity, harboring such a monster, and turning a blind eye.
Maybe he also was involved with the USS Cole. Maybe he was involved in the bombing of the two embassies. The propaganda is certainly out there supporting this. Cold hard evidence is in short supply.
But it only matters so much. And that only in the short term. He is a symptom of the barbaric times we still live in, which will not change unless there is a unilateral condemnation and action to eradicate terrorism.
All that aside, I will say however, that I am a firm believer in the principle that says you don't write checks your ass can't cash, and this cat's account has long been overdrawn.
Even if it was him, even if we go get him, or Afghanistan gives him up, I'd say the odds of him making it back to the US in in one piece are somewhat slim.
I'm sure his vision of Allah wants him martyred in some fashion, supposing that the Americans who find him don't beat him like a red-headed step child before finally slitting his throat.
(I say 'his vision of Allah' because I really don't think any self-respecting Deity would support such negativity as suicide and murder.)
And while I'm on the topic, what deity in their right mind would laud such activities? I have an image of Allah, God, Vishnu, Yaweh, Bhudda, and the rest all standing at some cosmic Deity Bar, slugging them back, watching their followers in the mirror behind the bar. Allah watches as yet another suicide bomber screams 'Allah ak'bar!' as he pulls the plug on his life, and Allah grimly gives him a sardonic thumbs up sign and a nod as he lays into yet another pint. "Dumbass." Allah mutters into his beer.
I can honestly say that if I was the one to go apprehend him, that an unfortunate accident would occurr. These things happen, and I don't let rabid animals run around capriciously as a rule.
And neither should the rest of the world. Its time to put this boogeyman to rest.
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