American Morning
Should U.S. release pictures of Osama bin Laden's body?
(CNN) - CIA Director Leon Panetta said Tuesday he thinks a photograph of Osama bin Laden's body will be released at some point, but that it is up to the White House to make the final call. A senior administration official said that no decision has been made yet as to whether to release the photo.
According to a senior U.S. official, the White House has received three sets of photographs. The first batch, which clearly show bin Laden's body, was taken at a hangar in Afghanistan, the official said. The official described one of the images as a clear, but gruesome, picture of his face. Bin Laden is shown with a massive open head wound across both eyes, the official said, adding that the image would not be appropriate for the front pages of newspapers.
AM asks, what do you think? Should U.S. authorities release pictures of Osama bin Laden's dead body? Let us know and we may read your comment on air.
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We should have the choice, I believe that as Americans we should be able to view the photos if we want to. This decision not to show the pictures should not be left ONLY to the government but to the people. For my self and others I think that this would bring closure to an act that was so heinous and basically unbelievable. No way this should have ever happened to us!!! We should be able to see the photos of the idiot who was behind this act!!! LET US DECIDE>>> LET US DECIDE!!
I don't believe the photos should be released for the safety and well being of our military. Muslims are insane, they killed people because some one in the USA burned a copy of their precious Kuran. Let this go away and we should get on with getting our military back home. If our president said he is dead he is dead. Any military member would have been glad to pierce Bin Laden's head with a bullet. A navy seal wouldn't even think about it. He is dead. I would much rather see footage of alein vehicles that the shuttles have brought back but really doesn't exist.
whats the big deal they show dead bodies on the iternet all the time.and i want proof this scumbag is dead.
Yes I believe when Obama's ratings drop again he will perk up his ratings by releasing some touched up pic's.That is generally how politicians work.We should know this by now!
Yes we saw people jumping from what the 90th or so floor the day of the attacks that's an image we won't forget either
Truth in blogging: I always lean toward the permissive side in civil liberties issues (in the Land of Lady Liberty). Therefore I favor openness in government and that means that I feel the photos, if announced to the world, should be available to (not foisted on) the interested world, say on a website (voluntary viewing only). If you are not going to release them, don't create the interest by saying they exist. Inciting violence? Announcing their existence is enough to do that anyway, maybe worse, with possible assumptions that they are worse than they are, or that he was not buried "properly" (although I strongly oppose any religion imposing its beliefs/customs on others, especially by violence – we should not be forced to honor their customs - oops! there goes political correctness too).
The short answer is NO!
Let the conspiracy theorists doubt, sooner or later it will become clear OBL is dead.
The number of theorists will dissipate to an insignificant number. I am sure the leaders are not among them and they have been sent a message "No place to run, no place to hide", don't start a violent war.
Also I'm sure none of the leaders believe the fiction about 72 virgins and the martyrdom incentive will begin to disappear as the better Muslims reject the methods of terrorism simply because it will bring them nothing but pain and sorrow.
Legal arguments should be marginalized, survival is the only law in war. OBL began the war and executed violent attacks.
If you start a violent war then you had better know what you are doing; unleashing the ugliest characteristics humans are capable of.
Expect those characteristics, they will be used against you and crying foul won't help you.
War is nothing more than two guys with sharp sticks wrestling in the mud trying to poke each others eyes out, it's the ugliest human behaviour.
.
Nothing honorable or admirable about CAUSING war to happen.
The honor goes to the men, women and civilians who endure such horror but they are changed for life in a most terrible way; even for most leaders that are forced to send men and women into the insanity
For the people in the Middle East, don't just remember the crusades, remember the days of Ghengis Khan.
That is what you face. Do you really want that again?
The photo should definately be made public, if only to show that the whitehouse has nothing to hide. Logically, why should anyone take the presidents statements to be obvious truths. Call us conspiracy theorist if you want to, but the people have a right to question their government. In fact, Hitler would be just one prime example as to why it is a good thing for the people to always raise questions. President Obama should show the photo. Show that the American government is straight edged.
I agree with the President's decision to not release the photos of bin Laden's body to the rest of the world. I agree that it would become a recruitment tool for terrorist organizations.
However, I, as a U.S. citizen I would still like to see a photo of a dead bin Laden. Why not have the photos available for view in some locations in every state for U.S. citizens only? It could be set up so that you show a passport or birth certificate (short form OK) and after being screened to insure there are no cameras on your person, you are able to view the photos.
Clearly, there is a serious issue between the U.S. and Pakistan and no one is asking the right questions. For anyone to live in a super large compound next to the Pakistan military is a joke. We all know that Muscarif had personal knowledge of this, it could'nt or wouldn't have happened without it.....period again, we're falling back to peoples credability here, there isn't any and they all have their own agendas.....so sad to bad for Bin Laden. Always remember this, you NEVER what to be on the recieving end of the US Military......we will get YOU!!!! pray for peace now....we all need something else to live for than war.....
no,,i have a son who will be leaving for Afghanistan,very soon. he has three children, and i want him to see them grow up. our troops have enough problems with the people there, this will only put fuel on the fire. this is his second time,first was Iraq.
mother of a trooper,,,I'm proud of him
love you always billy
I agree with President Obama's dicision, however, perhaps he should show the pictures to donald trump.
Dare you to say this on air 🙂
ODD Thing to me is osama is supposed to be DEAD and according to obama it is to gruesom pictures for us to see, but he is running for president again,,with out proof like a picture obama is letting the us all over the U.S.A DOWN,I know he will not get my vote and any other people i talk to, BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW
the USA has an opportunnity to continue in a mindful, and patient manner. We muust not once again squander this opportunnity. You guys are one of the most thoughtful teams out there help start a trend of patience and mindfulness. Weare all glad he is gone,now show what the terrorists think we do not understand.
no not at all there is no point or positive outcome that could come from doing so.
obama doesn't want top release the photos. Could it be possible that Bin Laden wasn't there? 3 different stories about the raid: he was armed, he wasn't armed he was going for a gun. Which was it? Could this be a political cover up because the raid was a failure and would cost obama a re-election. It would be a political diaster for Obama if Bin Laden got away again. I heard a comment that even the video of the raid doesn't show Bin Laden being killed. Was he really there? Is he really dead? Show the proof that he is really dead. There has been other pictures of dead people on TV. How about our brave soldiers that were killed and their pictures were put on display for the world to see. Bin Laden was proud of the Americans he killed let us be proud of us killing him.
We have a right to see his dead body. Bloddy mess or not I don't care.
I find it to be very convenient that his body was buried at sea.....so it could not be exhumed and all.
yes they should we want to see osama dead with our own two eyes from what i see some people doesnt believe it ... so yes u should.
No, We have enough bad images in our minds now to try to forget because of this man, enough !!!!
No, We have enough sick images to try to forget because of this man..enough already!
Yes, absolutely. I can't believe Osama bin Laden is actually dead based solely on faith and the word of the U.S government without some kind of hard evidence to substantiate these claims. Without the release of these photographs and videos there will always be a lingering doubt about his demise among skeptics.
Showing the pictures of Bin Laden's corpse- would be no worse than some autopsy scenes shown on some of the current television series- such as CSI. President Obama should reconsider- if not- the pictures will soon be out on Wiki Leaks anyway.
No, I think President Obama's decision "not to release the pictures of the dead Usama Bin Laden" is right. We are a civilized nation and unlike Bin Laden and those who show themselves murdering Americans, it is not something that everyone wants to see. I would like to add that ONLY and I say ONLY, the family members who lost loved ones on 911 wish to see the pictures, then by all means, they should be allowed to do so for closure, if that's what they need.
But in essence it is the civilized thing to do... keep the pictures out of the media!
Addtionally, my heart goes out to all the family members and friends of the thousand of people who were killed that awful 911 day. My prayers continue to stay with you for a serene and final closure.
Aside from DNA there is substantial eyewitnesses to event, including Bin Laden's daughter to verify the death of the Satanic terrorist leader.
No. Bin Laden probably had half of his skull blown off. If folks think bullets do not blow heads wide open, then those grotesque pictures will surely schock and inflame our enemies. The President made the right call.
We should have the pictures viewed only at the World one trade center museum and use the money to pay restitution to the family of every soldier who gave his life or got injured in the process of fitting terrorism.
Bin Laden, Saddam, Gaddafi, or others to be viewed as a reminder of the outcome of terrorism in the free world. What a noble way to teach humanity.
It seems like Obama is forever shooting himself in the foot when he needs proof that he is doing what he claims is real. We know so many facts that just don't fit him being POTUS, but he continues to play this like it is too late for anyone to call his bluff, and both the press and judicial branch are abetting him. Now he decides for Americans what we can see and why. He needs to speak for himself and answer the BIG questions SOON. The SEALS had cameras! produce the video they were watching, REAL TIME PROOF! Freeze frame it before the shot to the face. LEGAL to do it!! Why hide the video? I am tired of taking his word, I am the American Obama works for!!!!! Show the facts.
President Obama should have someone doctor up the phots as they do for models in magazines so he doesn't have to show the bloody pictures–that would be much better to do.
I think that all those who claim to be christians but don't live by the true word of jesus is not really a chrstian. Jesus clearly said love your enemies, turn the other cheek, do not judge, and of course do the will of my father. All fall short of the glory of god there is not one that is good. God hates sin and treats all sin the same and the wages of sin is death no matter if you kill a million innoccent people or lie about your age or even steal a pack of 25 cent gum it is all sin and we are all guilty thats why God is the only one allowed to judge and condemn not man. No matter what you think or how your trying to impress man by changing or eliminating Gods holy eternal word in order to more suit there wellbeing what is good if a man gain the whole world yet loses his own soul. It's time to Wake up you so called christians because the only one that matters is God and his judgement life is over in a blink of an eye but eternity does not end ever, so be careful to not be deceived..
We really need the pictures, this just isnt right and he is probably still alive and if he is not he died back in 2001... Why cant you give us proof Obama? What is there to hide Obama? The U.S officials are a bunch of punks clearly hiding something, I mean its quite obvious..
I do not believe it is in the best interest of our country or any others to show the final photos of Bin Laden. The ghouls of the world would have a hey day, proof is not needed because we did all that was needed to do to prove that he is now dead.
I also think it would be in very bad taste for the children of this man. It would be a horrible thing for the children to see those pictures – he was their Father and we should respect that even though what he did was despicable not only to us but to other countries as well. Others have suffered terribly from all of his cruelty and publishing the death photos is not going to heal the wounded loved ones that we have lost. The fact that we know that he is dead is enough and through time hopefully the rage and torment of many will heal.
I am very proud of all those who were involved in making this historical event happen; especially the Seals who risked life and limb and came out of it alive. God bless us all.
Yes they should absolutely release photo's of his body. Let the American people be the ones to decide. American people need to see and those who don't want to view the footage can change the channel. Until the photo's are released as an American I will be skeptical if they really got him. After all the American soldiers lives and limbs over the past 10 years in this war, not to mention the lives taken on 9/11, we deserve proof. The media released photos of Saddam Hussein, what is the difference. If there is going to be backlashes it may happen regardless if they release photos.
A BIG RESOUNDING NO! Under no circumstances should photos with massive head wounds or any other photos for that matter be released. For those who doubt the government, obviously, time will tell. It is inconceivable the government has lied about something that so easily could be proven otherwise, i.e. he shows up screaming "Kill All American". What are people thinking? Why is the government even wasting its time "trying to decide" on a no-brainer! Folks over there are burning American Flags over their dead "loved one" (another proof he really is dead?). Why should we inflame the situation by showing photos of his dead body to incite his followers who would die for him to do more harm. We need to just rejoice that he is no longer on the face of this earth! Also, the news media needs to STOP speculating about Pakistan...there again, only turning a potentially bad situation into an even worse one! SO STOP IT...that's not news...it's your opinion or the opinion of the folks you interview and without a good basis in fact should not be presented on a "news" channel!
No you shouldn't because you'll get his supporters real mad and you shouldn't put his real pics up
No I do not believe the actual photos should be shown. However, in my opinion there should be a pool of: international media correspondents or NATO representatives or possibly UN representatives that see the photos and all confirming documentation. then as a 3rd party group issue a statement confirming what they saw-dead or not.....osama or not
the government has lied to us over the years when it comes to military actions(Gulf of Tonkin, WMDs etc.) Why should we believe them now? Show us the REAL thing, not the photoshop stuff.
Yes, most definately. I think it would be a GREAT deterrent towards future violence against the United States. We MUST put a caption on the photos, however, that states something to the effect, "If you want to continue terrorizing the world, this could be you". Of course, we would have to put it in Arabic so the religious fanatics could read it.
There is not real need to release the photos of O.S.B.L's body. There is always the idea that America is a country without morals, there will always be the non-believers, especially now that we area entering an election year. Prove them all wrong....there's nothing to really gain by releasing the photo's. The DNA already proved who it was. If there needs to be any questions asked, ....Ask why the Bush administration was not able to capture this man.....what did President Obama have at his disposal that Bush did not .
As a combat vet...we were required by superiors, to confirm kia's with body part if we could not haul the whole body..Show the photos and warn the public that they are graphic...enough is enough we are adults and put this issue to rest. We should have given the body to the gov't and left it up to them to do what ever with and that would have stopped all this nonsense..
Yes, show the pictures! Those who don't want to see them don't have to look.
For many of us that want to believe Bin Laden is dead, a photograph will go a long way to removing doubt. I agree there are those who will never be satisfied with the governments assurances and photos will not convince them. However, I side with those who "trust but verify." I am a bit troubled the White House has not released any photos whatsoever. Given the U.S.'s #1 fugitive from justice was taken in a military opteration and then processed for burial and buried at sea, there must be literally hundereds of photos that would be less offensive to viewers, but would serve as evidence of his death. Please keep in mind that no one outside a handfull of military and CIA personnel have seen his body. This leaves a lot of room for doubt. Additionally, I have difficulty believing that showing a photograph would incite more violence than the act of killing of Bin Laden itself. For those of us who would prefer to "nip a conspiracy theory in the bud" before this gets out of hand, the White House should authorize the military or the CIA to release some photos to ease any doubts many of us may have. After all, President Obama promised America a "more transparent" government.
Pictures & Vidéos would be a start; Dumping the body @ sea is kind of strange. Shrine or no shrine all I can say Strange decision making happened in that process. However killing the Alibi of sept 11 is not convincing coming from a country that invaded Iraq under false information. So the chapter of Al Qaeda is closed what's next ? Invading Syria ! another Dictator who supports Hezbolla, supported by Iran; Assad is slaughtering his own people !
No.... there is nothing to be gained.
For those who want "proof" photos/videos won't do it... they are too easily faked. And for some – just like birthers – no proof will be enough, so why be concerned with it. He's dead... move on... there are more things this country needs to address.
If he isn't, have him pay a visit – in person – to ground 0 and discuss the matter.
A picture is not evidence!!! DNA is evidence and we have that so... what more do you skeptics want? Pictures can be doctored by nearly anyone, even by those without any photoshoping experience. I mean, have any of you seen the fake picture that is currently circulating?! The fact that people are so willing to believe that this specific fake is true proves that pictures are not evidence. Some people are simply determined to be skeptical cynics, some people can't face the fact that President Obama made a good call. But common on, even your precious Donald Trump, surprising as it is, has enough common sense to understand this. OSAMA BIN LADEN IS DEAD.
Now, why The Trump can understand that a 10 year search has been completed but can't understand what a birth certificate is beyond me....
i wouldn't mind seeing them after all the murders he have committed he sat back and watched 9/11 seeing people die and suffer now we the american people want to see how this murderer face looked when he died we deserved to see the picture especially families who lost love ones in 9/11.
W hy should should we have to tip toe around the feelings of Moslems? On 9/11, I will never forget the images of those barbaric animals in Palestine dancing and rejoicing in the streets while watching the attacks over and over on storefront TV's.
FIRST OFF, YOU DONT HAVE TO LOOK AT YOU. SECONDLY IF YOU WATCH THE HISTORY CHANNEL, YOU,LL SEE D-DAY, AMERICAN SOLDIERS FLOATING IN THE RED WATER AND GERMAN CONCENTRATION CAMPS. IT CANNOT BE WORSE THEN ANY OF THAT. WE HAVE SEEN ON T.V. A LOT WORSE THEN A MAN WITH A BULLET IN HIS HEAD. WHAT ABOUT THAT FAMOUS PHOTO OF A MAN BEING SHOT OR EXECUTED IN HANOI. I WAS IN THE NAVY DURING KOREA AND SAW A LOT WORSE. WALT CRAIG
Why do we need to prove Bin Laden is dead? How does it hurt us if people don't believe it? What do we really gain by releasing the photos?
No, I don't think we should release the pictures. I believe that will do more harm than good for the country. The individuals who are requesting the pictures be released are only wanting to see them to satisfy their appetite for gruesome material and inflaming passions. We really need to be more responsible and think about the long-term consequences we could be facing as a nation when we decide to do something that speaks to insensitivity toward societies.
SO THE TALABAN SAYS THERE IS NO PROOF THAT BIN LADEN IS DEAD.. DO WE NEED TO PROVE ANYTHING TO THEM ?
THEY KNOW BETTER THAN WE DO THAT HE IS VERY DEAD.
THEY ONLY HOPE THEIR COMMENT WILL MOTIVATE THE USA TO SHOW THE SENSITIVE PICTURE TO INFLAME THE ARAB WORLD.
THAT WAY IT WILL BE EASIER TO GET NEW RECRUITS FOR THEIR TALBAN
I SAY ITS TIME TO NOT BE A PUPPET OF THE TALABAN...
I am sickened by all the joy that a man's death has brought to this country. What are you teaching to our future generations? All I can see is US is trying to show off what they did to the rest of the world and not realizing
that they are opening door to more retaliations. Hatred will be deepen and another catastrophe will follow. I totally disagree showing Odama's death pictures to general public. Please stop bragging about it otherwise you will be sorry for it one day. Justice is in the hand of universe (or you can say in the hands of God), not by us.
I think US government should have this operation done in a totally confidential manner so that Osama is removed and no one knows who did it. I think this would bring more peace in our world.
We watched folks jump out of the World Trade Center on 9/11, that was beyond graphic, YES THE PHOTO SHOULD BE RELEASED.
YES WE NEED TO SHOW THE PICTURE ASAP SO AL QUAIDA CAN ASSOCIATE BIN LADENS DEATH WITH HIS ACTIONS.
WE WERE EXPOSED TO THE DECAPUTATIONS ON THE INTERNET. THE SHOTTING, BURNING, DRAGING AND THEN HUNG FROM A BRIDGE OF THE BLACKWATER EMPLOYEES IN IRAQ.
SO WHY ARE WE MAKING SO MUCH OF THIS SOB THAT ALL HE DID FOR HUMANITY WAS BRING DEATH.
WE SHOULD HAVE OF TAKEN PICTURES OF HIM BEING PUT THROUGH A MEAT GRINDER THEN TOSSED INTO THE SEA LIKE SHARK CHUM.
I not only wish to see his body, I want to see the film where they killed him. Somehow I no longer trust anyone anymore.
I would like to see leader of Pakistan in similar fashion. For him to not know where Bin Laden was is most impossible. Right in his back yard.
All funding to Pakistan should be cut off immediately. He has been taking money from both sides. How many other terrorists is he hiding? 8 Billion dollars wasted on this country. The same country hiding this terrorist.
Carter says to give him benefit of the doubt? Why Carter failed as president. There is a thing of way to much diplomacy. This one crosses the line.
I've got to admit, I've shunned the coverage of this event, because I find the celebrations pretty repugnant, and thank God my school classes conflicted. I didn't feel a particular testosterone-rush at this "The Empire Strikes Back" moment, or hearing the news' talking-heads gushing that it's this generation's "VE day". The guy's dead. OK. It took more than 10 YEARS to get the job done, not to mention using him as the pretext to start two wars that cost untold thousands of lives, many of them American young people. Personally, I think it's a day for solemnity – solemnity in remembrance of the victims of the many nations killed on 9/11, solemnity as a result of the loss of life in Iraq and Af'stan, committed in his name, solemnity at the liberties Americans have willingly given up, solemnity for having virtually bankrupted the US, all in the name of this one thug. As for it being "this generation's VE Day," do they even know what VE day was?; On VE Day, Germany made an unconditional surrender, have I missed that al Quaeda's done the same?; As of VE Day hostilities ceased, is that what's going to happen with al Quaeda?; Now that we "got" the thug, are the transports on the way to Iraq and Af'stan to bring the troops home?; Did I miss the coverage of the last man turning the lights out at Gitmo?; Will I no longer have to be groped at the airport? Don't get me wrong. I'm as glad as anyone that this thug's dead. But, rather than parading photos of his corpse through the tabloid press, like the Romans used to do with the heads of their adversaries, I prefer to reflect on the lives sacrificed, liberties given up, the unacceptable growth of the "State," all of which is directly or indirectly linked to his name. If I can be made sure that there will be no more terror attacks, that Iraq and Af'stan are done, that Gitmo's closed, that the "Patriot Act" is repealed, that phone calls and emails are no longer "tapped," that the TSA is being dismantled, that the Dept. of Homeland Security is being cut, and if I can understand why it's taken 10 years, I may then see something to celebrate, otherwise, just another thug bites the dust. Everyone should celebrate as he/she wants, just don't make me watch. It dishonors the sacrifices given by people much better than I, because of this thug. This is just my opinion, though.
Pictures will not bring closure because the fact of the matter is, once you have lost a love one- closure never comes. These pictures should not be released for a variety of reasons and to argue that closure will be brought is sadly, incorrect. I wish I knew a way to offer closure to these poor people but, there is none. This mongrel stole their husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters... nothing can change that and I hope that the search for resolution does not result in the loss of more loved ones.
Show the photos – prove he really is dead. A DNA report is just a report – you have to trust the politicians to trust the report. A picture is proof.
If the extremists are going to retaliate it is because OBL was killed. Showing the photos will not increase their anger and hostility – they are always angry and hostile anyway.
Show me the Car(fax), show me the picture....
No, the pictures should not be released and I hope they never are. Osama Bin Laden is dead and thats a fact. The American people must trust our government because without trust, our nation will crumble. It is understandable that many are curious but another fact is that these pictures will further enrage Bin Laden's supporters. Releasing these pictures will unnecessarily put our American Heroes, our soldiers, in greater danger than before. Humans are naturally curious and yes, it would be nice to win over the skeptics but in my mind, neither curiosity nor skepticism justifies publicizing fuel for anti-American sentiment.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe”
9/11 pictures, audio and video were displayed around the world. Extremists danced in the streets. Pay back, an eye for an eye. We need to see the pictures, audio AND video of his death. We earned that right!
recommend,sorry,got excited
I feel like this comment could fit in this category, so I'll toss it in for those out there who are not familiar with what various U.S. Special Forces schools used to do quite a few years ago to help weed out those who would buckle under intense interrogation techniques used by the enemy at that time. Without going into explicit details, most who did not attend some of the Special Forces schools would be totally appalled at what those U.S. Military forces were exposed to in order to help identify the weaker willed ones who could crack under intense interrogation pressure from the enemy at that time, and some of the techniques regularly used on the U.S. Special Forces class members went far beyond anythihg I've heard brought up thus far including the waterboarding which seems to be such a hot topic (the SEALS were exposed to this intentionally from my understanding in order to help select those who could best deal with such intensely adverse pressure). I was able to obtain some insight into severak Special Forces schools back several decades ago and this included one of the toughest ones in Great Britain, and I can't say that being captive inside 27 cubic feet for days with the enclosure out in the direct sun in a hot climate would be a comfortable experience, especially if the 27 cubic feet was indeed shaped like a cube, but this was a test of wills to make sure that those attending this specific class could cope with being held captive behind enemy lines and someone was intent on trying to obtain information from these detainees (prisoners).. I have no idea if such extremes are still used today in Special Ops Training, but you have to look at the success rate of those who actually pass each Special Ops Training school and the percentages who complete the courses are low in comparison to the total number who sign up for each training session, but there are numerous reasons why soldiers wash out in such intense training (and some are allowed to reenroll at a later date if their reason for washing out was considered as valid such as a significant injury which can easily happen in these classes). And, those in some branches were allowed to try their hand at any Special Ops Training classes available in any of the U.S. or British Military forces, and some tried 'em all out over a period of time. Of course, this is pretty dated information from decades ago, and I can't speculate on current situations or even venture a guess, but the bottom line is that forms of torture were used on friendly forces just to see who was the best of the best then (but this may be totally irrelevant today for all I know).
While this has nothing to do with releasing pictures of Bin Laden, it may be of interest to those who are upset and mentioning techniques of obtaining information used in the past. Some of the more explicit documentaries that turn up on The History Channel from time to time include techniques used by other governments who totally threw away any Geneva Convention agreements or guidelines pertaining to the treatment of prisoners, but again this is old news from decades ago and may or may not apply today, but even some of the female journalists who have been covering the Middle East in recent years can give some horror stories of what they personally experienced and they were not even armed combatants! It was 2 days ago when one of the female journalists who seemed to be from here went public with her experiences after being captured in the Middle East while participating as a news journalist, and now other female journalists who have also encountered similar experiences in the same part of the world who have previously been withholding such info are now starting to come out of the woodwork with their own instances of being terribly tortured in the Middle East in very recent years while just covering the news.
Off topic? Well, somewhat, but it gives you more of an idea of what types of training our own forces might possibly be exposed to in a controlled environment here within the country as well as the tragic encounters some journalists can be involved with just being in the Middle East area with a camera or microphone. Given treatment of unarmed journalists, one can only guess at what U.S. soldiers or other coalition forces might be exposed to as prisoners of what Bin Laden declared was a war against America.
I reccomend everyone that does not want the pics released ,move to Pakistan, where they can live the fine life.What has happened to the people in this country.We need to concern ourselves with feeding the needy and housing the homeless people in THIS country. We also need to get our troops home to protect THIS country,not a country or countries of people that are going to kill each other anyway.They have been fighting over their scince the beginning of time.What can we do,but save ourselves.Also,we should quit selling out to China and other countries.30% tax on all imports from China.Shoot me an Email, and I will tell you or anyone hoe to sure up our economy, and keep us safe.If you are not interested,don't.This country has already to hell in a handbag anyway.It HAS to be stooped.In the year 2000 I had a nice home,paid for.Now I rent,because of the greedy super rich,that don't have enough money yet,and never will.I just want to eat and see the docter every now and then.Is this really too much to ask for in this so-called great country?
Photos will do nothing but serve as a recruiting tool for terrorist organizations. There is much more to lose than to gain by releasing photos.
I'm sorry, we (America) are not the most liked country around the world. They do not need a reason to plan terror attacks on us. Maybe the should show the whole video of the operation. I have waited 9 1/2 years for this animal to die.
No matter what we do people won't like it! We have the right to see pictures that prove he is really dead! If people don't want to see don't look. As far as him not being armed, it doesn't matter, Thousands of innocent people weren't armed and that didn't matter to him! In America if we would have had children near us in that position we would have been arrested for child indangerment!! Anyone that would have been with him knew that their lives were in definate "Extreem Danger" of certain death!
I REALLY don't think the death pictures should be shown. This will only arouse more sympathy for him and incite violent reactions against the USA.
Yes, the photo should be released!!! It'll be proof that he's dead. Tell your children this is what happens when you bring pain, suffering and death around the world. Justice has been served for the crimes he commited.
Why shouldn't we celebrate his death. He brought pain, suffering and dsestroyed families in NY and other parts of the world. The world is a better place without him.
What difference does it make if he was armed or not. He was the #1 terrorist and he had to die. The Seals that killede him are heroes.
Yes release them and those not wanting to see can chose not to. We have had to see the horrible photos and video of 9/11 while the receiving end danced in the streets. Confirming his death to the public with photos is just what we need.
No – the risks outweigh what would be gained. Let the skeptics remain skeptical.
we should not release the photos of this dead terrorist, because we all know by DNA that we got him. We should show some class and respect for not showing it. burial at sea and no photos gives nothing to his current and future followers to gather around; no banners, no flags, or displays.
we don't allow celebrating in the endzone for football, and we should not celebrate this score either; because the game goes on. unfortunately, we have both lost a great deal.
The photos of Bin Laden should not be released. When will people realize that this is NOT a gang fight??? All the big celebrating and partying only serves to bring us down to his level. A reverent rememberence of the victims of this man on the night of his death would have been much more effective and shown us to be a nation of peace-loving people, not vengenful people. He is gone – that is a GOOD thing. A job has been completed. Celebrating "the kill" is just in poor taste and judgement.
By-the-way, just seeing a photo of a dead man, does nt make it THAT dead man.
No! we shouldn't allow this to happen, because, this is like DoubtingThomas when Jesus was cruxifited. Some Americans are better than this. All that want to see these pictures show what little faith they have in our Military and Government..
The President should not release the photo because it serves no purpose. There will always be people who believe in conspiracies regardless if you provide photos, DNAs or witness account. Showing the photo would only serve to inflame anti-American among the radical muslims We must believe the President is being truthful in telling the world Osama Bin Laden is dead and move on.
At first, I said yes, why not? Let's shutup the skeptics. But now, I say no. We live in a cyberspace world that is easily accessible to our children. An image of a dead man is not what I want my child to remember before he goes to sleep.
I really dont care if the pictures are released or not, but what I do care about is how the media and right wing just cant give President Obama his credit due. Bush: was not invloved in any of the planning that went along with this mission, sure at some point in his time in office he may have had infomation, but that was all. Why is he being praised for something he had no hand in? I expect that covert racism from fox news. I guess a story is a story.
The most effective and less offensive thing to do is make a few copies of the photo. Have our ambassadors to select Muslim countries and a few European countries hand carry the photos to a high level representative in each country. Show the photo, but then destroy it so that no copy reaches the media. Showing the photo worldwide will alienate many Muslims and it isn't necessary for any one including children to see.
Marlene Cummins
Williamsburg, VA
I don't see how a picture will prove Bin Laden's death anymore than the government stating it is so. If the government chose to lie to the American people about the death of such a destructive character, how much harder would it be for them to produce fraudulent pictures which could pass as real? I pray that we Americans go back to our core beliefs and morals and end these savage acts driven by anger. Yes, the man has hurt us deeply. I am a New Yorker, and I was hurt too. Let us put the dead to rest. If you don't believe he is dead now, a picture won't change that. We now need to focus on our future and the safety of our nation.
I think the government should consider selling an autographed edition of OBL's death photo. All the special forces that participated could sign the photo. The proceeds could go to help family of veterans injured or killed in combat.
YES, THE WH SHOULD STOP DOCTERING UP THE PHOTOS AND
SHOW USA , STRAIGHT UP, THE PHOTOS AS WELL AS THE BURIAL
PHOTOS.
Yes, release the photos. I remember my Mother saying she was frightened to look at the photos of our war dead in Life durring WW 2 but Rosevelt knew the country needed to see the realities. My generation saw all the photos of the realities of Vietnam, daily. Show us the results, we paid for it!
I dont think this is the same as the photos of a dead dictator. I feel that showing the photos of OBL will only incite the religious fanatics.
You people are so Gullible this president has done nothing but Lie to us.............,Healthcare,GitmoTaxesEtc why should we believe any photo reease I can photoshop,He is so stupid he threw away the real evidence HIS BODY IN THE OCEAN COME ON ANY MUSLIM KNOWS YOU ARE TO BE BURIED IN THE GROUND AND U MUST FACE MECCA SO WHY DID HE GET RID OF THE BODY CAUSE HE NEVER HAD IT AND EVERY IDIOT OUT THERE DON'T EVER VOTE U DONT HAVE THE MENTALITY TO DECIDE WHATS FOR DINNER......