Thanks for your cordially rephrased question artbrooks, much appreciated.

"a practical scenario for the peaceful capture of Osama, under the circumstances thus far on record, which does not violate what you see as a "rule of law"?"

While I have no decided opinions on much of this incident, for me the question would be more "under the circumstances of such poor current US/Pakistan relations and ongoing major political upheaval among Arab nations, would it have been a more "practical scenario" to 'let sleeping dogs lie'? Albeit while keeping them under surveillance. Otherwise, I'm no military expert. However I feel more comfortable when "the rule of law" is followed rather than dubious tactics. As others have said, what is sauce for the Goose is sauce for the Gander. An international military president has been set here, one which the US (and the rest of us) may come to regret - hopefully not - in time.