After a few days of attention on the killing of Osama bin Laden by US Navy Seals, I may have some perspective on the event. First, I've heard some people complain that Pres. Obama is trying to take political advantage of the military victory. This complaint is off base for many reasons -- first of all, someone had to make the gutsy decision to order the operation to be carried out. Victory in this operation was not a foregone conclusion, as the President's national security aides have pointed out. Second, the President's job is to take victories like the one our military and intelligence community just had and use them to the US's advantage in foreign and domestic arenas. A full court press in domestic and international media is necessary at this time, with the anniversary of September 11 certain to dominate press coverage in the months ahead, and with Al Qaeda finally dealt a substantial blow. It's not only appropriate but also good strategy to go on offense, as opposed to simply playing defense, after something like this happens. Now, the President doesn't want to overplay his hand, which is another reason why NOT releasing the photos of a dead Osama bin Laden was a good decision. But I think he's playing this with his trademark calm, and it's important that he appear in control of the situation at this time.
It's good to see Osama bin Laden brought to justice. With that said, the Lord says, "Vengeance is mine." Let's not get carried away with the swell of patriotism and forget that the Lord counsels restraint in times of turmoil. The Lord certainly had a hand in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice, but he doesn't really take sides in war. He knew September 11 was going to happen when he was hanging on the cross, and he allowed it to happen, along with a thousand other daily atrocities around the world. God is the ultimate source of justice in this world and the next, and we all fall short of God's glory. So, give praise where it is due, but remember, God is in control.
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