I'm starting to feel intrigued about the death rites.

We nearly know (after much digging and a surprise fact emerging late in the day) that the incursion was lawful (probably, if the agreement was still in force). We won't know whether ObL was political/religious leader or combatant until we know the truth about what was in his computers. The absence of an internet connection would have limited his hands on role in real time.

The factual benefit or otherwise of the death remains to be seen - and so on to the remains.


A little rummaging on the internet seems to reveal some odd points.

First - was ObL for ritual purposes a Muslim at all? An official body had carried out what seems to be the Muslim equivalent of excommunication some years back.

Second, did he die in battle or otherwise? Although I have not nailed down the differences it appears that battlefield death rites are less formal (as one might expect).

Third, does Islam require burial in the earth except in the case of those who die at sea? If it requires return to the earth, what is wrong with the earth that lies under the sea?

Fourth, if burial at sea is permitted, should the body have been lowered not launched, should it have been weighted, should it have been in a clay container or otherwise protected to a greater or lesser extent from being immediately consumed by predators?



Why didn't the US armed forces know the answers to these questions, given the planning that went on and the apparent intention to reduce reprisal risk.


Or doesn't it matter? Would the US be equally happy if fallen US soldiers' bodies were disposed of in accordance with Afghan, Pakistani, or other Islamic law?