Overheard on CNN.com: The death of bin Laden
May 2nd, 2011
06:31 PM ET

Overheard on CNN.com: The death of bin Laden

Comments of the Day:

"Now that bin Laden is dead could the US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan go home now?"–rolinda

" 'How do we know he's really dead?' The biggest proof is the lack of reaction from al Qaeda. If this was really a bogus announcement from Obama, there would be a posting on al Qaeda websites, with a video from bin Laden saying 'I'm still alive.' But hey, why let logic get in the way of a good conspiracy theory?"–doubleR

Operation was designed to kill bin Laden, source says

How U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden

DNA match confirms Osama bin Laden killed, official says

Osama bin Laden was killed in a firefight near Islamabad by U.S. forces early Monday morning. One of bin Laden’s own wives identified his body to U.S. forces, after the team visually identified it themselves. DNA matches later confirmed the identification of the body.

His body was buried at sea according to Islamic law, which requires burial within 24 hours. No country was willing or able to take his body for burial on land, senior Defense officials said.

As this story has unfolded, CNN.com readers have responded in several different ways. Many have expressed their joy, relief, and congratulations to the president and U.S. forces involved.

BMaryland said, "Thank you Mr. President! Thank you SEALs!" chitown27 said, "SEAL Team Six is the baddest group of men on this planet."

Guest said, "I was channel-surfing last night when I saw the "breaking news" bulletin. At first, it didn't register, but a couple minutes later I had tears for my sister (slaughtered on 9/11, AA #11)! I am beyond happy and so proud of our military men and women and say to all of them 'thank you' from the bottom of my heart!"

Complxnature said, "News of the Year, congrats to both USA (Navy SEALs) and Pakistani Intelligence (ISI)
. Very precise, quiet and prompt successful military action. 
Finally the notorious chapter of OBL ended without any collateral damage, job well done."

jturgeon said, "For years and years, radical Muslims have danced in the streets at the murder of thousands of people world-wide and in support of homicidal tyrants. Now, the rest of the world dances in the streets at the death of their leader; justice served."

Istrt said "As a Muslim I will rejoice with USA or, dare I say, maybe even more because he brought shame to the name of Islam."

ss115891 said, "OBAMA HUNTS DOWN OSAMA !!!" and MarkBDC said, "Gaddafiiiiii...... come out to play yey........"

Other CNN.com readers argued over how he was killed and whether the body should have been buried at sea. TreeTop said, "In a way I'm disappointed because I really wanted the chance to put this guy in a courtroom in front of the whole world and have his guilt displayed for everyone to see." Plueeez responded, “I'd much rather see this guy feeding the fishes than watching CNN in his compound."

MonOncle said, "I think they had no plans on taking him out alive. He would have been a huge liability live. Can you imagine the response from followers? There would have been terrorist attack after terrorist attack. There will still be a response, and I am sure it will not be pretty."

Bldrepublicn said, "Not sure why we 'take very seriously the Islamic tradition.' " monokli said, "We respected Osama's rights to a Muslim ritual just like he respected the rights of the 3000 people he killed. NOT." flyboy60 said, "Bin Laden deserves no special consideration for his 'faith.' Saddam's sons were produced for the world to see."

Tylrrobinson said, "We buried him at sea because that is the difference between us and terrorists. We respect other people's customs while they seek to destroy innocents. Would it have been worthwhile to display his body like some weird sideshow just so people can gawk over it?" Mikeinfc said, "It's not for Bin Laden; it shows respect to the rest of the Islamic world. If we kill them and then desecrate their bodies, how many more people do you think would want to kill us."

And still others argued over whether the story was true. CatAdjusterX said, "I left part of my leg in the deserts of Iraq and praise the Naval Special Operations Command for all that they do whilst we Americans sleep. However, I do not understand why Bin Laden's body was buried at sea. Were Saddam Hussein’s sons not both Muslims? Yet they were held for days, their bodies cleaned and photographed. We were forced to watch Bin Laden's henchmen cut off the heads of our citizens with a knife; do we NOT deserve to see this monster's corpse? I do NOT believe he is dead."

But rockah said, "Pics can be faked. Videos can be faked. Stories and reports can be made up. There are those who will never believe and there are those who are satisfied that he is dead. You either believe or you don't. That's it."

And LarryRollins said, "What is this morbid obsession with wanting to see video and pictures? Are you all OBL experts? How would you even know it was him if you had a thousand pictures?" cnnopinions said, "Too many conspiracy theories. I'll take the news reports at face value." Micirish said, "I am a Republican. I don't need to see a body. I'm just happy because for the first time in a long time, we can all agree on one thing. That we achieved a great thing."

MaryMcQuire said, "Signed on to the comment board this morning to confirm the conspiracy theory wack jobs would be out in full force and they are. If you can't thank the U.S. military and President Obama on this one, I feel sorry for you, and I question your patriotism."

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soundoff (88 Responses)
  1. MUKHTAR SUMAR

    My American friends, please understand Pakistan is a poor country with a majority of population uneducated and below the poverty line. They are victims of the Extremest Religious leaders, a situation very similar to the days of the Church of England and burning people for witch craft. Please consider the facts: The operation was carried out deep inside Pakistan; flying in, 38 minutes of gunfight and return; could this be done without the support and understanding of the Pakistan Government? If Pakistanis slept through the whole operation then of course they are so incompetent that they are of no help no matter how hard they try. If Pakistan was involved, which I think was the case, due to political reasons would not be able to disclose it. For many Muslims US is looked upon as a enemy for their support to Israel (Friend of an Enemy), while the acts of Osama and Al Qaeda are condemned by most Muslims, the poor uneducated under the influence of the extremest religious leaders consider Osama/ Al-Qaeda as a friend, (Enemy of an Enemy) and if Pakistans role in this operation is made public, it would create serious problems in Pakistan who is a friend of US and the free world. Look at Pakistan as your under cover agent! I would urge your media and the Politicians to understand the sensitivity of the situation and act accordingly.

    May 3, 2011 at 2:02 pm | Report abuse |
    • Mzbz

      They can't be that poor ... after all, I think each year we send over at least $300 billion in American Dollars!! I say give us back our money, theyccan think what they want. With friends like Pakastan, who needs enemies?

      May 3, 2011 at 7:03 pm | Report abuse |
    • Torsten

      God is against Osama Bin Laden,because God allows no murder of innocent people.
      God gave the Americans help and blessed the Seals raid.
      The Jews are Gods chosen people and he that hates the Jews is an Enemy of God.
      Islam is evil.God is not a Stone in Saudi Arabia.He that worships a Stone worships the Devil.
      Mohammed was a very sinful Hypocrite and thats a Fact.
      God hates the Lies of Mohammed.

      May 16, 2011 at 8:54 am | Report abuse |
  2. Jazzzzzzzzzz

    Enlightenment from a person of a different world is always welcome , just so long as it is not forced apon those who dont want it. I hope you are safe and that one day we will meet God together. stay safe.

    May 3, 2011 at 2:31 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Diane

    Bin laden should have been brought back to America alive; then put on a plane to NY, and whilst passing over ground zero, pushed out of the plane; SANS parachute, let him see how it feels to frefall from a great distance

    May 3, 2011 at 2:55 pm | Report abuse |
    • Mohammed

      Osama Bin Laden should have been put through a Mincer and then sold in tin cans as Dog Food.

      May 16, 2011 at 8:58 am | Report abuse |
  4. Tammy

    I am so great full to hear the news that this terrible man is gone finally he has killed so many. USA we all stand as one. Prayers out to all the family's here who lost a loved one in the 9/11. God Bless you all

    May 3, 2011 at 4:55 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Madison

    Thank You President Obama and the Navy Seals. Thank you Mr President for deciding not to bomb the compound off the face of the earth. If we did we would not have a body or the cache of computer evidence.
    Semper Fi Mr. President and the Navy Seals,

    May 3, 2011 at 10:14 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Tammy McKinley

    The newest version of the story is that bin laden "appeared to lunge for a weapon" before he was shot. I don't know how long it took the 12-24 SEALs to swoop in with at least 2 helicopters, engage in a fire fight with one man, and kill 4 others on the way to the third floor. However, I would think bin Laden would have heard all this commotion and picked up a weapon long before the first SEAL burst in the room.

    May 5, 2011 at 6:17 pm | Report abuse |
  7. S

    There's too many holes, and too little evidence to prove that any of this has taken place. Obama's support was failing, he had a good chance of re-election but a good chance of losing as well. Now several months in advance of the election, and he's the man who signed the paper to kill America's enemy #1? That's so very convenient. Just as convenient as a war president in the running; and just before the election takes place – so does a great tragedy that sparks talk about a war.

    Homeland security can detain you at any time without a charge, and hold you for as long as they like. Any footage or information that you may have on your person can be confiscated or destroyed. The president can sign an order tomorrow to bomb your house, and all he has to say is he believes you're a terrorist or that you pose a threat to [national/international] [peace/freedom/security/any other word that has lost all meaning].

    Don't tell me America is the land of the free, that America is a free nation; you've given up your freedom for the feeling of security. And Benjamin Franklin's famous line holds truer than ever: Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

    May 5, 2011 at 9:57 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Ray

    Amerigreed is really showin their true colors. And they don't understand why there are so many killings here. I know why, cause they want to see dead people. Practically everyone is wanting to see bin laden picture of him shot up and with brain matter haning out, even the news networks. LMBO at this nation. Actually ROFLMBO.

    May 6, 2011 at 10:59 am | Report abuse |
  9. Truth

    Its normal to not publish photos of someone that was shot.Anyone who does not believe that Bin Laden is dead,is either incredibly dumb
    or simply does not want to believe this obvious fact.

    May 16, 2011 at 9:02 am | Report abuse |
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