tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446351548038522890.post9183973237797202831..comments2024-03-28T16:15:19.319-04:00Comments on Saideman's Semi-Spew: World's Apart: Reactions to the Killing of Bin LadenSteve Saidemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09881915512311951902noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446351548038522890.post-14581062776800549742011-05-09T08:56:27.777-04:002011-05-09T08:56:27.777-04:00What I’m wondering is why so few people talk about...What I’m wondering is why so few people talk about the long-term strategic significance that bin Laden was killed rather than detained and tried? Of course, detention and a subsequent trial would have been much harder (location of the trial, possible vengeance attacks etc.). than simply killing the guy. But the arguments for a trial outweigh the points against it. For one, it would’ve opened the possibility to get this whole “war on terror”-thing away from the (in my opinion rather senseless) “war” rhetoric to more of a crime/law enforcement perspective. Of course, right now it is a war, but only because we made it one. Second, we missed the chance to learn about the true magnitude of Bin Laden’s crimes. This would’ve not only silenced most bizarre conspiracy-theorists but also would’ve shown AGAIN the magnitude of Bin Laden’s crimes against muslims – and thereby undermined Al Qaida’s legitimacy in the Arab world. Third, we missed an opportunity to come to terms with history. Throughout history, societies have benefited a great deal from trials as a process of reconciliation/acknowledging their history (Nuremberg, RAF trials in Germany, Eichmann-Trials etc.). Finally, a trial and a conviction would have shown the qualities of a system that is based on the power of law rather than on the law of power (i.e. eye for an eye…). <br /><br />I’m not saying that I don’t <i>understand</i> Obama’s decision. Detaining a terrorist in Pakistan is quite unlike sending a SWAT to capture a local drug dealer in L.A. It probably was, as you say, the “least bad decision” in terms of operational constraints. But the most pragmatic/easiest solution is not necessarily the strategically wise solution. (Money Quote Yoda: “A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression. <b>Easily they flow</b>, quick to join you in a fight” The easiest way’s not always the best/right one *g*).<br /><br />Also, yeah, I’m kinda relieved that guy is no longer around doing bad stuff. This is not what bothers me (so, in my opinion, all that talk about being “glad” or not is rather bizarre). <br /><br />But I am wondering why Obama (as a law professor) has not stressed (or even mentioned) the possibilities a trial would have offered. He could have framed the whole thing differently – and could have silenced a lot of critics.Felixhttp://twitter.com/felixhaassnoreply@blogger.com