In an upcoming book, "The Finish", journalist Mark Bowden writes that President Barack Obama intended to prosecute Osama bin Laden in the United States, should the 9/11 mastermind surrender to the NAVY Seals who raided his Pakistani base.
In an interview with Bowden, Obama revealed, "Frankly, my belief was if we had captured him, that I would be in a pretty strong position politically, here, to argue that displaying due process and rule of law would be our best weapon against al-Qaida, in preventing him from appearing as a martyr."
While the Obama Administration drew fire concerning the legality of Bin Laden's death, Attorney General Eric Holden defended the Seal's actions. Bin Laden "was the head of al Qaeda, an organization that conducted the attacks of September the 11th. It's lawful to target an enemy commander in the field."
According to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, the mission "was conducted in a manner fully consistent with the laws of war."
In an interview with PBS, CIA Director Leon Panetta stated, "Obviously, under the rules of engagement, if he had in fact thrown up his hands, surrendered, and didn't appear to be representing any kind of threat, then they were to capture him. But they had full authority to kill him."
Obama reportedly told Bowden that providing terrorists "the full rights of criminal defendants would showcase America's commitment to justice for even the worst of the worst."
The president's sentiment echoes his 2008 promises to close Guantanamo Bay, a base that currently remains open for undisclosed reasons.
"The Finish" is published by Atlantic Monthly Press and will release on October 16, 2012.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
