In case anyone is wondering what I ACTUALLY said as apparent facts belatedly emerged, it was this

"If it be correct that there was an earlier express agreement between a former Pakistan administration and a former US administration permitting US incursion, then there would remain the question of whether that agreement was still effective about 10 years later as between different regimes. ... It is not wholly clear cut but it would make the US's argument much easier.

The other argument concerns whether ObL was a political or religious leader on the one hand (assassination a no-no, but arrest by competent authority or its agent lawful, including the use of REASONABLE force against resistance) or a military commander (assassination permissible in most cases except clear surrender).

If we can trust what later comes to be said about the contents of ObL's computers, then they will probably tell us which role ObL remained discharging. The issue of whether the US forces represented a lawful authority at that time in that place probably goes back to the validity of that agreement."




I was rather keen on Obama's election. I thought it was a big step forward for the USA. I am concerned that he may have done more than avoid unnecessary confrontation once in post. Those things might be more apt to discuss on another thread.



I was however interested to note assertions elsewhere that the funeral of ObL was not carried out in accordance with Islamic Law. Does anyone know the relevant facts? I thought a proper Imam presided and I had therefore assumed that proper ritual was followed.