Letters - 06 May 2011
From bin Laden to the arboretum
Death of bin Laden
There is something disquieting about the death of bin Laden and the public response to it. Bin Laden organised many atrocities, but I would question the right of any state to summarily ‘eliminate’ any person and dump the body in the sea. President Obama will gain a much needed surge in popularity, but I am not sure what can be gained, apart from the delight of vengeance, by this action.
Bin Laden’s followers may now seek retribution, leading to escalating violence by both sides, with innocent people caught in the middle.
I am alarmed by the ‘Cowboys v Injuns’ mentality which seems to be taking hold in the military and foreign policies of the Western powers. David Cameron claims that this elimination is good news.
I think the incident highlights even more clearly the need for the peaceful resolution of grievances, for the end of state-authorised assassinations, and for the establishment of an International Court in which all terrorists can be brought to justice.
Ken Veitch
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