Osama bin Laden's death: Reaction strong to news as it spreads worldwide
News of the death of Osama bin Laden - the world's most-sought terrorist since he masterminded the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S. - spread quickly across the globe late Sunday as President Barack Obama confirmed the reports.
Emotional reaction quickly followed, from former President George W. Bush to politicians to multitudes of Americans who celebrated the death of bin Laden and also remembered the devastation of the attacks.
More coverage from AnnArbor.com
Wall Street Journal: Visitors outside the White House cheered while the crowd at Ground Zero in New York found a mood that was both somber and celebratory.
Big Peace: The blog reports, via the Associated Press, that former President George W. Bush congratulated Obama and called the death "a victory for America."
BBC News: Compiled a list of political quotes about the death, including this from Sen. John McCain: "I am overjoyed that we finally got the world's top terrorist. The world is a better and more just place now that Osama Bin Laden is no longer in it. I hope the families of the victims of the September 11 attacks will sleep easier tonight and every night hence knowing that justice has been done. "
The New York Times: Quotes from more politicians also include one representing the families of 9-11's Flight 93.
Cleveland.com: The staff of the Plain Dealer compiled reaction from various media sources, including speculation as early as 9:45 p.m. that bin Laden's death would be the topic of Obama's announcement that took place nearly two hours later.
Al Jazeera: The Middle Eastern news outlet has a reporter in Pakistan, and he says the news caught people by surprise - and added that many there considered bin Laden a hero.
VNO7.com: Raw video clips show about a minute's worth of celebrating outside of the White House.
Freep.com: Southeast Michigan reaction includes a comment from the leader of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn.
Detroit News: Metro Detroiters react to bin Laden death
Comments
psaume23
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.
Great job by President Obama, his intelligence team, and our brave military troops on the front line. Obama shows that smart and methodical beats impulsive and emotional every time. (To think that while Obama was leading the planning and execution of the operation to take out the mass murderer Bin Laden, a perennially unhappy segment of our society was fretting about whether or not our American president was born in the U.S.! Honestly.)
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:41 p.m.
The GuardianUK: "Osama bin Laden corpse photo is a fake." There is absolutely no proof Osama was killed yesterday. It is only what we are being told. Conveniently, Osama had a burial at sea. Why not save the body for examination to confirm? It is amazing what people believe just because they were told. Think for yourself. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/02/osama-bin-laden-photo-fake?CMP=twt_fd" rel='nofollow'>http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/02/osama-bin-laden-photo-fake?CMP=twt_fd</a>
1bit
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 6:08 a.m.
G - I am not sure why you believe Osama is dead. Indeed, he is still alive. By your own logic, there is no credible evidence that he was ever killed. In fact, Bhutto was killed because she was going to reveal that she was paid to lie about Osama's death. That's why Karzai and Musharraf, who both thought Osama might be dead, are still alive. In fact, the more the government and MSM tells me he is dead, the more I'll believe he is alive.
G. Orwell
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 4:09 a.m.
What you are not aware of is that the fake image was used by several major MSMs. Once the bloggers started revealing the fraud, they pulled it. Also, the Guardian piece I posted is misleading since it tries to blame the fraud on conspiracy theorists when the MSMs knew it was a fake. Yet, they try to pass it off as real. Internet, although there are many misleading websites, is still an open source. Thus, no one can manipulate the information as completely as the controlled MSMs can. That is a fact. Thus, more reliable for those that know how to use it.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 12:31 a.m.
Yes, the pics on Pakistani TV are faked. I'm shocked, SHOCKED, to find that out. Good Night and Good Luck
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 6:06 p.m.
For those of you that don't know your history, Osama bin Laden (a.k.a Tim Osman) was a CIA asset. From the days of the CIA backed Mujahidin to fight the Russians in Afghanistan. Not only that, the Bush family and the bin Laden family are business partners. Nice cozy arrangement. Again, look it up. It is laughable how the massess are being played like a fine violin. Obama's approval rating is in the pits and they use the Osama card. Benazir Bhutto (2007) - Osama dead <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnychOXj9Tg" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnychOXj9Tg</a>
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.
"Very childish. When you cannot win a debate, belittle your opponent. I remember the neocons doing the same thing to those that questioned their lies." Can't "win" a "debate" with a conspiracy monger because they are oblivious to facts and logic; everything is a part of the conspiracy, and the monger is the only one smart enough to figure out what happened. No, the only way to deal with a conspiracy monger is with extreme ridicule. Good Night and Good Luck
Moscow On The Huron
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
Photoshop is Photoshopped! Look it up!
1bit
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 5:46 a.m.
Moscow & Macabre: I'm not sure why you are fighting this. It's easy for Osama (Tim) to prove who he is: why doesn't he just show his birth certificate?
G. Orwell
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 3:08 a.m.
@Edward, Very childish. When you cannot win a debate, belittle your opponent. I remember the neocons doing the same thing to those that questioned their lies. Let's see some facts and reasoning rather than criticizing the messanger.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 12:30 a.m.
JFK, Elvis, and ET are alive and well in Roswell!! I saw them myself! Good Night and Good Luck
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:22 p.m.
@Moscow and Macabre, According to your line of reason, anyone who believes anything other than the official government version is a conspiracy theorist. Is that right? I knew we were still living in "1984." I must be one of those conspiracy theorists since I never believed in WMDs in Iraq and you guys must be very smart for believing there were WMDs in Iraq. If you didn't believe you were conspiracy theorists. Take your pick.
Moscow On The Huron
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.
The Internet is a fake! Look it up on the Internet!
Macabre Sunset
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
The Moon Landing was photoshopped. Again, Look it Up!
Moscow On The Huron
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.
North America was never actually discovered! Leif Ericson's family and the Eskimos were business partners! Look it up people!
RayA2
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
While I'm glad to see justice done here, I think that Osama found his audience for reasons that still exist today. Although Osama used religion to motivate his followers to go so far as die for the cause, the reason for Osama's broad support and the cause of the the violence and extremism was like that of all wars, economic injustice.
Roger Roth
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.
A great day and a great thing for Obama, the US and the world. My guess is that the word has been put out to the Left to stay non-partisan, which is a good thing. I do predict, however, that after the dust clears on this amazing feat of ridding the world of a true sociopath, things will get partisan and it won't be the Dems starting it. This may all but insure Obama's reelection and the Right will pull out any and all stops to prevent it.
Roger Roth
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
It's simply not fact that Obama "created this mess." Nonetheless, he will surgically take care of the debt the same way he did bin Laden, probably without the cooperation of the Right. Their only interest in solving the debt problem is a self- one. You're already demonstrating the sour grapes I expect from all the Right.
Moscow On The Huron
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
The threat of Bin Laden was not as big as the threat posed by the debt. Once the drama of last night settles down and people come down form the celebrating, the reality of the debt will remind them of what an incredible mess this president has created and what little understanding he has of the gravity of it.
Lac Court Orilles
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.
A sincere thank you and total admiration must go to President Barak Obama and the brave Navy Seals. I can't wait to hear the reaction and see the expression on Rush Limbaugh's face now that President Obama achieved the impossible.
Roger Roth
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 4:36 p.m.
Amen! The guy, in every way, is a true genius.
squidlover
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.
A very long time coming. Although it may be disappointing that it had taken so long, nonetheless a great day for those who cherish freedom and justice. Congratulations to the operations who carried out this mission. Right now, I don't want to argue over Gitmo, waterboarding, or even those 9/11 truthers. I just want to reflect on the the unity that I'd like this country experience in this momentous occasion. I for one have always been proud to be an American and I feel a sense of victory.
Gorc
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.
EyeHeartA2 - you are absolutely correct. How could the Pakistani government be so blind for so many years? There had to be elements within their government that helped inform the terrorist. Time to cut off their foreign aid.
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.
To rebut those that doubt my claims, go to YouTube and search, "fake Osama bin Laden." You will see that the videos released of Osama since 2002 are all fakes. It is so fake, it is commical. I rest my case. Free your mind and think for yourself. You live in an Orwellian state.
1bit
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 6 a.m.
G- You have raised the bar to levels I doubt others will approach. +1 for your passion. And I do love the saying, "Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you." With that said, I do think that we are being told what we need / want to hear and not necessarily the whole truth. I'm not going to go as far as G does, but I'm curious as to why we were told about the death so quickly. Supposedly there was hard disks and such recovered - why not go through that first and see if you can get anyone else, before tipping your hand? Osama's people didn't know where he was, so we'd probably have a reasonable amount of time. My guess is that the gov't wants this information out there for a reason: maybe to see if some people they are watching lead them to another high profile target. Although extreme, I think G makes a good point to question why we are receiving the information we are receiving and whether we are being told the whole story. I think we can all agree that (probably for good reasons) we are not being told everything.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
. . . or causes one to be bizarrely disconnected from anything that resembles reality. Good Night and Good Luck
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.
Both are must reads. Helps to avoid drinking too much govt Kool aid.
aawolve
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
You read 1984 and Animal Farm in high school. Congratulations.
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
It is interesting that there are those that believe everything on the corporate controlled MSMs are true. WMDs in Iraq anyone.
Ellen
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 4:59 p.m.
Do you mean that we really DID land on the moon? The internet told me it was fake ...
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
@bedrog, Don't take my word for it, see what experts have to say: Benazir Bhutto told David Frost in 2007 that, "Omar Sheikh had killed Osama Bin Laden." Hamid Karzi in 2002. Quote, "I would come to believe that [Bin Laden] probably is dead." Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced: "I think now, frankly, he is dead." FBI, Dale Watson, told a conference of law enforcement officials that "I personally think he [Bin Laden] is probably not with us anymore." I wonder why Osama bin Laden isn't on FBI "Most Wanted" list for 9/11. The FBI says NO PROOF Osama inovlved with 9/11. LOOK IT UP!!!!!!
grye
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 4:44 p.m.
It is interesting that there are those that believe everything on the internet is true.
bedrog
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
george...you are so wrapped up in your 'planet youtube' delusions that you don't seem to realize that murrows ghost was being facetious toward your nonsense.
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
You guys seem to be a little slow so I will give you another hint. Google, "Benazir Bhutto + Osama bin Laden." She was eliminated for revealing the truth about Osama bin Laden's death and not wanting to play along with the West.
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.
@Edward, I am glad you agree with me that Osama was killed years before. It looks like you did a little research. But, for you to say, "Yes, Bush didn't announce his death so that Obama could do so," is absolutely rediculous. You are saying that Obama waited over two years (and as long as 10 years since 2001), to make the announcement!!!!!! Are you serious!!!!!
bedrog
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
george...you are a victim of your own 1984 newspeak. Youtube and its kneejerk exhibitionist suppliers of "news" is hardly a credible source. Try a book or newspaper...esp the much and wrongly maligned 'mainstream' kind that have actual professional editors and fact checkers. whoops...gotta go...just saw a unicorn eating my daisies. ( you believed me , right?)
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
Yes, Bush didn't announce his death so that Obama could do so. Makes all the sense in the world. Now let me take off my tin-foil hat. Good Night and Good Luck
EyeHeartA2
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
From the AP: "The compound is about a half-mile from a Pakistani military academy, in a city that is home to three army regiments and thousands of military personnel." With friends like the Pakistani's, who needs enemies?
Gorc
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.
I'm curious if the war protesters that stand in front of the federal buliding Ann Arbor will be out there today protesting the elimination of the worlds worst terrorist.
Moscow On The Huron
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
I don't think so. Remember: in their minds, George Bush is the world's worst terrorist.
bedrog
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.
Knowing them as i do they'll be "sitting shiva".
Cash
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
Brilliant strategy all the way around. Thank you to the people involved in the intelligence, to President Obama, to the armed forces involved....this was a brilliantly crafted mission....up to burning the helicopter, sea burial, etc. Genius. I refuse to celebrate death, but it is a relief to know that the "mastermind" of 9-11 is gone. I hope and pray that this along with significant changes in direction in many Middle Eastern countries this spring will bring peace to the world and save countless lives in the future. All mankind, not just the US, can benefit from that. Peace. Cash
julieswhimsies
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 9:33 p.m.
What a great response, Cash. I agree.
81wolverine
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:50 a.m.
It took 10 years to hunt him down, but I'm glad he's finally gone. I congratulate the military people who planned and carried out this mission. Going forward though, it's not very clear how much affect this will have on Al Qaeda. They've had a lot of time to develop a succession plan knowing that it was only time until Bin Laden got taken out. For example, their Yemen operation seems to be a very dangerous, viable group to deal with. It goes on unfortunately.
bedrog
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:36 a.m.
Justice in one extremely symbolic case, with deserved celebration and admiration for those who carried out the operation. But what Bin Laden represented is still very much alive and well, so without "curbing enthusiasm' in this instance vigilence is still very much called for. I commend the ops /administration for the sea burial thing. It will prevent a gravesite from becoming yet another "martyrs shrine" ( ziarat) that inspires other jihadists, as indeed has been the case elsewhere, particularly in afghanistan where "kabiri arab" ( graves of al qaeda arabs) serve the same toxic purposes.
stunhsif
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:17 a.m.
Justice, finally after almost 10 years justice for the family's that lost loved ones and for the USA. God Bless our armed forces and those that lead them. The bottom line is if you mess with the USA you will suffer dire consequences.
David
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 10:26 a.m.
And we had to KILL him...plus Gahdafi's son and grandchildren...we are ONE HORRIBLE NATION.
fester
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.
HE was the one that killed 3,000 U.S. citizens on Sept 11, 2001. HE was the one that declared war on the U.S. HE was the one that chose to fight till the death.
Gorc
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 1:05 p.m.
I'm glad WE killed him. Could you imagine the time and millions of dollars that would have been spent on securing and placing him on trial. And this allows the families of 911, soldiers killed or injured, and the countless numbers of Muslims who the terrorist also killed or injured to have some closure.
Moscow On The Huron
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
David, speak for yourself. And nobody's forcing you to stay here.
bedrog
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:31 a.m.
@david....oh nevermind.
stunhsif
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:19 a.m.
You gotta be kidding me !
Lt. Burgundy
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:16 a.m.
You are free to leave anytime... Canada has room.
Steve Pepple
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.
A comment containing a personal attack has been removed. Please make your point without attacking other commenters.
1bit
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 10:53 a.m.
Actually, I'm pretty sure the Navy Seals flew in to offer him cookies and donuts and ask him pretty please to surrender. I'm also sure that they would have preferred to take him alive. That was not possible apparently and sometimes murderers go down fighting rather than surrender to law enforcement.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 6:17 a.m.
A few thoughts... - This was apparently a million-dollar compound built for security in a relatively populated suburban town near the capital back in 2005. Doesn't look good for US/Pakistani relations moving forward. - Can't even begin to express my admiration for the Navy Seals who executed this operation. - People were batting around a beach ball in front of the White House.
Kai Petainen
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 6:04 a.m.
response from dearborn. <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20110501/NEWS01/110502008/Detroit-area-Arab-Americans-rejoice-death-bin-Laden" rel='nofollow'>http://www.freep.com/article/20110501/NEWS01/110502008/Detroit-area-Arab-Americans-rejoice-death-bin-Laden</a>
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.
Surprising ONLY to the nativists among us. Good Night and Good Luck
bedrog
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.
interesting and encouraging.thanks for the prompt reference.
Kai Petainen
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 6:02 a.m.
after the announcement, some homes in ann arbor fired off some fireworks...
diagbum
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:58 a.m.
Apparently reaction is strong! AA.com has removed dozens of comments!
frozenhotchocolate
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:31 a.m.
Best news I have heard since 9/11. Strange thing is that he was in an urban city, not in the tribal regions and not in the mountains. Kinda wish he was found alive so we could have tortured him for the rest of his life, him being killed in an instant just seems too nice, too humane. Let's just hope there is only a minimal backlash from his followers.
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:24 a.m.
He actually died late 2001 to early 2002. Anyone following the news should know that. That is why he has not been put out any videos since then.
1bit
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 6:12 a.m.
bedrog: by the way, it's tin for hats, not aluminum. the crystalline structure of the tin is much better at blocking the satellite signals. plus, it's a much rarer metal than aluminum and i wouldn't trust anything so common as aluminum to guard my secrets.
G. Orwell
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
They could have taken the DNA when Osama died and preserved it. They do that all the time. Are you that easily fooled?
julieswhimsies
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
DNA results do not lie.
Moscow On The Huron
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 12:15 p.m.
The we-never-landed-on-the-moon people told him.
bedrog
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.
aluminum hats anyone??
stunhsif
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:15 a.m.
you could not be more wrong, how did you come up with that ?
TheGerman
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:49 a.m.
If you actually followed the news, you would know that what you wrote is complete garbage. There are multiple recordings, letters and even video dating as recent as 2010.
1bit
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:12 a.m.
Thanks for taking the effort at this late hour to follow the story, Paula.
Paula Gardner
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:30 a.m.
You're welcome - I appreciate the note!