Friday, March 29, 2024 -
Print Edition

The perfect start to the week

If only every week started like this. We woke up to the stunning news that US forces killed Osama bin Laden. It’s almost hard to believe; after all it’s at least 10 years overdue, if not longer if you count the USS Cole and Kenya. I’ve found myself already several times throughout the day having to remind myself that it’s true, not just one of those dreams that’s so involved it feels real.

Of course some people feel differently. One guess who the dissenters are: Hamas. A BBC article gathered opinions from world leaders, most of which can be summed up as job well done, coup for the US in the war against extremism, but cautioning against optimism as militant terrorism has spread beyond the direct control of the bin Laden brigade.

Then, amidst the sea of congratulations and thoughtful commentary, comes: “We condemn the assassination and the killing of an Arab holy warrior.” You can always rely on Hamas for supporting radical Islam.

Even the Iranians didn’t go that far, although of course they did use it as an opportunity to criticize American presence in the region.

Our favorite was Russia’s statement, that “retribution inevitably reaches all terrorists.” Great sentiment, but if only it were that simple. It sure did feel good though to wake up this morning and feel that at least once in a while, there is indeed retribution.



Avatar photo

IJN Assistant Publisher | [email protected]


2 thoughts on “The perfect start to the week

  1. Mike

    Your imagery of waking up to the news really struck home for me. I remember being woken up on the morning of 9/11 to the news of the attack (I live in CA). What a contrast!

    Reply

Leave a Reply