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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

OBL Not a Real Operational Commander?

At the risk of once again confirming Godwin's Law, I report this comment by former New York Times award winning Journalist and author Chris Hedges:
And the killing of bin Laden, who has absolutely no operational role in al-Qaida – that’s clear – he’s kind of a spiritual mentor, a kind of guide … he functions in many of the ways that Hitler functioned for the Nazi Party.  We were just talking with Warren about Kershaw’s great biography of Hitler, which I read a few months ago, where you hold up a particular ideological ideal and strive for it.  That was bin Laden’s role.  But all actual acts of terror, which he may have signed off on, he no way planned.
The original is here.

This was published by Thruthout, not to be confused with the "Truthers"", who think that the received wisdom about 9/11 hides a more sinister scenario.

My purpose in calling attention to this is to make the point that Chancellor and Führer of Germany Adolph Hitler was no mere "spiritual mentor".  Such talk is rubbish.  Look at the battle for the beachhead in Normandy.  Adolph Hitler's personal involvement hindered the German response and they thus were not able to push the Allies back into the English Channel.

While Osama bin Laden may have been merely "a spiritual mentor", I am doubtful.  The treasure trove of material retrieved from the bin Laden compound may provide the truth of this, but for that only time will tell.  In the mean time, let us not minimize the involvement of Osama bin Laden in the deaths of thousands here and thousands in Arab lands, in the name of his brand of Wahabbism.

Regards  —  Cliff

2 comments:

Craig H said...

The most obvious disconnect is the writer's premise of "operational commander" (in the traditional martial sense, which would also apply to Adolf), vs the alternate offered by "assymetrical warfare", and the way that terror cells operate as highly independent entities. (Much more like the Free French in WWII than the Nazi's).

I agree, underestimating the role and responsibility of mass murderer-in-chief in this situation is more than just stupid.

Pat Vondal said...

I am wondering to what extent any of the contents of the treasure trove of materials will be shared with the American public. From these we may find OBL is more than a spiritual mentor.....he is clearly more than that but may have backed off in his level of hands on involvement over time to avoid capture. Anyhow, back to the treasure trove! Could it be plans for next hits of people and facilities in countries around the world? Upcoming plans for leadership meetings to strategize with side notes including lists of invited guests with detailed seating plans, decorations and meal plans from soup to nuts? I'm letting my imagination soar here. But I am curious and want to know what's in that "Treasure Trove!"