Peace and Security
The Game is Changing in Iran
Last year, a powerful computer virus called “Stuxnet” targeted Iran’s nuclear program. By the time it was discovered, the virus had succeeded in setting back the country’s nuclear progress. Now, Iran claims to have identified a new threat. The virus, which Iran is calling “Stars,” may or may not be authentic. But no matter the outcome, Iran’s announcement could be good for the United States.
Making an Exception for Osama bin Laden
Osama bin Laden was a rich kid, a billionaire’s son, who forsook the easy life to dedicate himself and his fortune to returning the Islamic world to its former glory. His worldview called for accomplishing this by crushing Israel, driving Western “Crusaders” from Muslim soil, and resurrecting an Islamic caliphate that harkened back to the Middle Ages.
Special Lineup: Osama Bin Laden’s Demise
The repercussions of Osama bin Laden’s death aren’t going to disappear overnight, but we felt that it made sense to weigh in on the news sooner rather than later.
Take-No-Prisoners War
Osama bin Laden, the 9-11 mastermind, is dead. Our man in Afghanistan, the scion of a wealthy Saudi family who helped us defeat the Soviet Union in that Cold War theater, is gone. Three decades later, U.S. special forces nailed him in Pakistan.
Osama’s Descent
Good Riddance
I don’t like to exult in the death of people, not even people I don’t like. I think it’s bad form.
Playing into Osama Bin Laden’s Hands
We have, once again, played right into Osama bin Laden’s hands. This might seem like an odd assertion, since the al-Qaeda mastermind is finally dead at the hands of U.S. Special Forces, most heads of state have voiced their congratulations, and practically the entire U.S. citizenry is unified in celebration.
Why I Can’t Celebrate Osama Bin Laden’s Death
I recall precisely where I was, as well as what I was doing, when I heard the horrible and heart-wrenching news of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the aborted attack represented by the plane that went down in rural Pennsylvania. I know I’m not alone in being able to remember my personal coordinates and tap into the emotions of that defining day.
Red, White, and Blue Frenzy
Despite the passion of the White House throngs, Osama bin Laden’s death is no “mission accomplished.”
Justice, Vengeance, and Osama Bin Laden
U.S. agents killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, apparently without cooperation from the government in Islamabad. The al-Qaeda leader was responsible for great suffering; I do not mourn his death. But every action has causes and consequences, and in the current moment all are dangerous. It’s unlikely that bin Laden’s killing will have much impact on the already weakened capacity of al-Qaeda, which is widely believed to be made up of only a couple hundred fighters between Afghanistan and Pakistan — though its effect on other terrorist forces is uncertain. Pakistan itself may pay a particularly high price.
