Here is what should be done to Bin Laden

[dreadhead7]

Ok, here is what should be done to Bin Laden. We should go on a covert ops mission to Afghanistan with the sole purpose of capturing Bin Laden, and nothing else. When we get him, we should bring him to the United States to be tried. We shouldn't kill him--why create a new martyr for the terrorists. If he's found guilty, which I know he'll be, we should slam him in Supermax, and let him live out his life in utter solitude. Think about it--since he hates America so much, it would be the ultimate punishment, a fate far worse than death, and he would be effectively silenced.

What do you think of this idea? Please don't slam me too bad--I'm just a pissed off little peacemonger who wants a resounding answer to terrorism that doesn't involve bloodshed.

 

[Simon Darkshade]

I actually think that is a very good, well thought out idea. It would certainly rob him of martyrdom, and treat his actions as base crime, rather than an act of war, which would lower his moral status in the eyes of some undecided parties. However, as appealing as it is, they will probably just take him out when they find him, as it is harder to get out an extra body, and in prison, he would be a constant rallying point for his remaining followers (ie Baader & Meinhof- there were several attempts made to force their release, culminating in Mogadishu)

 

[starlifter]

What do you think of this idea?

Very good. Normally, I am an avid supporter of the death penalty, and believe it should be massivly expanded to eliminate most violent criminals from the nation's penal system.

However, the specific implication of bin Laden's case do warrant an exception to the death penalty IMHO. He would, in essense, be a living symbol of the evil nature of all such terrorists.

All his minions, followers, aides, lieutenants, etc. would be given a decent execution, followed by a first class trial. Errr... no wait, that's a decent trial followed by a first class execution! For any survivors of our military efforts, that is.

BTW, reparations would be extracted from any tangible terrorist (or their backers) assets.

 

[Graeme the mad]

I doubt very much whether he would be found guilty - though many people were to use a buzz phrase at the minute - 'linked' with him, the US has not the evdence to prove in a court that he is responsible.

This is not saying I dont think he is.

BTW such a mission would almost certainly be impossible because of the terrain and size of afghanistan not to mention the fact the US has no idea where he is

 

[joespaniel]

All of these "tourist" bastards should be stopped! Why do we let them in our countries to begin with???

END GLOBAL TOURISM NOW ! :rocket:

 

[allan]

"END GLOBAL TOURISM NOW !"

Yes, that's an "easy" way I suppose.... But I LIKE to travel, and experience other cultures and perspectives--it is a big part of my growth as a human. And prohibiting it only encourages misunderstanding, fear, aggression, and ill will....

Plus, I do not believe a person should be condemned to live in whatever country he was born. I was LUCKY (or is it karma?) to be born in a country like the US, with the advantages that automatically gives. I've met MANY good people who were not so lucky, and they should have a chance to make the effort to improve their circumstances (by immigration if need be) if they can. THAT is what our country is all about--to welcome people who wish to work and improve themselves in a setting of freedom and opportunity.... If that is ended, then the spirit of our nation will have died, and the terrorists would win....

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to the dilemma we face. But then again "easy" answers are not what life is about.... All we can do is fight back--and lead by a GOOD example. We cannot completely prevent these things without ceasing to be free--and give me liberty or GIVE ME DEATH! "Live free or die."

 

[Knight-Dragon]

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."

The above quote is from the space simulation game Wing Commander 3 (if I remember correctly) and I believe it is a good cue on what we shld all be going about. We cannot allow terrorists to change our way of life where we can freely make choices (like where we want to go). And the price we'll have to pay is to guard eternally against these ruthless people.

 

[drake]

I doubt very much whether he would be found guilty - though many people were to use a buzz phrase at the minute - 'linked' with him, the US has not the evdence to prove in a court that he is responsible.

Hmm, well maybe Bin Laden's taking credit for bombing the USS Cole in Yemen, and those few hundred dead people in the African based US Embassy bombings might help our case????

Lets take him back to an American prison and cycle spice girls and back street boys in his cell for the rest of his life

 

[floppa21]

News said this morning he was seen at the Palestinian borders.

I like the idea of the threat Farmer Boy/Dread Pirate Roberts put on Humperdink when the movement was coming back to his limbs.

 

[G-Man]

Originally posted by floppa21
News said this morning he was seen at the Palestinian borders.

How the hell did you figure that out!?!? The only airport the Palestinians have is for Arafat's private use, and is monitored by Isreal 24/7. I didn't hear that and I live less then 50km from the Palestinian border. Probably some mis-information.

 

[floppa21]

Very possible it was false info. It was just mentioned on the news. They didn't say anything about airports though...

 

[Leowind]

I think trying bin Laden would be an excellent idea, as opposed to just killing him. But as has been pointed out, it would be far easier to just kill him, and even that will prove difficult given the geography and political climate in Afghanistan. The only thing I pray for is that the bloodshed will not escalate into all out war with Afghanistan. Our conflict is not with the people of Afghanistan, but with the ruling Taliban and Osamma's gang. Personally, I'd like to see US planes flying over Afghanistan dropping aid supplies rather than bombs. In the long run that would do far more good for US relations in the region then taking out one terrorist threat that would only be replaced by another.

 

[dreadhead7]

I think that if we go over there, we owe it to the people to give them aid. But, isn't it always like that, that it's not the terrorists and bigwigs who are suffering, but the little people. I bet that the Taliban isn't suffering at all, especially since they recently seized several million tons of food aid. Btw, flop, I think that they sighted bin Laden near the Pakistani border. It seems that the Taliban found him just long enough to relay a message. I bet they knew where he was all along. Now, some religeous folks from Pakistan are back in Afghanistan, again, to try once more to talk the Taliban into handing over bin Laden. Yeah, right. Good luck.

 

[starlifter]

No worries about bin Laden. He and his advisors will eventually move. And communicate. And when he begins moving, he will be much easier to track. The net will close, but it could be hours or months... the timing must not be rushed by us.

 

[G-Man]

Originally posted by Leowind
I'd like to see US planes flying over Afghanistan dropping aid supplies rather than bombs. In the long run that would do far more good for US relations in the region then taking out one terrorist threat that would only be replaced by another.

In the long run it would be better (though I'm not sure the aids will survive falling of a plane) but the US is under a threat now. Today it's "just" 7,000 people, but in a few years terrorists will have chimical, biological or even nuclear weapons, and then the only thing the US will be able to do is to nuke entire countries. So I think it would be better to stop terrorists now - but while doing so the US should also help the civilian population. And not just to give them food, but to teach them better ways to support themselves.
"Give someone a fish and he will have something to eat for a day. Teach him how to fish - and he will have what to eat for all of his life"