Debating Bin Laden

Bin Laden Tapes

As part of the so called "commemoration" of the 11Th of September terrorist strikes, two tapes featuring the infamous Bin Laden were issued. According to many these tapes serve to show that Bin Laden is feeling freer to move about and is less afraid of retribution. In the tapes, Bin Laden continues his tirade against the "West" and calls for all Muslim believers to join his ranks. He also shows an older clip of the "last will and testament" of one of the suicide bombers right before his mission of death. I will therefore take the opportunity in the following paragraph to write some of my own tirade against this man who has managed to inspire such hatred.

The Bin Laden Debate

The tapes have sparked an old debate: Should Bin Laden be hunted down and eradicated or not? Should Bin Laden be viewed as a personal threat or should he be viewed only as part of an organisation that should be fought? The significance of these questions is the decision regarding how much effort should be put into striking at Bin Laden himself. Basically people are wondering if Bin Laden is a head or just a figurehead. To me the answer is obvious and simple. Bin Laden is indeed only a figurehead. Taking out Bin Laden will not bring about a miraculous disappearance of Islamic terror. On the other hand, terrorist leader need to know that they should live in fear knowing that retribution for their crimes is sure to come. Bin Laden is a figurehead but he should also serve as an example. Perhaps with enough examples something will eventually change and we will be closer to peace.