While taking a break from the hard slog of Politics revision I logged onto Twitter and was faced with breaking news at quarter to 5:
Osama Bin Laden has been found and killed by US forces.
Not quite sure what to make of it but from a lot of my followers I spied obvious relief and cheer and unsurprising bouts of racist or borderline slurs and comments. I hope that people don't think that this is all over, as it's far from that. An official statement transmitted live from the White House by Obama confirmed he had been killed in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Acts of terrorism may have a figure head at its forefront or a prominent face attached but it's much more than one person. The intent to attack and desire to act itself is ingrained in the hearts and minds of all those who oppose their target. Surely the death of a prominent figure is not enough to eradicate these people's desire if not provoke further action?
And yes Bin Laden's dead and justice may have been served but it won't change nor rectify what has already occurred. I understand that his death will bring some kind of closure to all those affected and satisfaction, naturally. However 9/11 was much more than just one man, mastermind or otherwise, lest we forget.
Topping the 'US Most Wanted List' Bin Laden has become a notorious household name since the Twin Tower attacks and a name connoted with terrorism worldwide. His whereabouts for the last 10 years had caused a global man hunt with no success. With a redonkulous bounty on his head, diatribes from patriotic Americans have concurred: "Well done to our military for bringing Osama to justice", etc but at what cost? Think a cool $25mil should do it...
The cynic in me can't help but think this is a new beginning and not an end.
