Bin Laden’s Shadow
After bin Laden's death, New Yorkers attend a candlelight vigil on Long Island on Monday night for those who lost lives on 9/11. (AFP)
Osama bin Laden’s death, like his life, is already proving controversial. World leaders have been quick to laud his demise as well as remind and assure their people that the fight against terrorism does not end with one man’s death.
The speed with which bin Laden was buried, in accordance with Muslim tradition, and the fact that the Obama administration has not decided whether to release photographs, has lead some to doubt whether or not he was actually killed. Skepticism has come from all corners; from America, the Arab and Muslim world and from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. In the Muslim world, many see this as a natural result of the suspicion with which American involvement in the Middle East and South Asia is often viewed. Shadi Hamid, director of research at the Brookings Center in Doha, Qatar told the WSJ:
“It’s not so much about bin Laden as it is about the U.S.,” Mr. Hamid said. “The U.S. has provided its narrative to the world—and the natural reaction of many people is to cast doubt on whatever the U.S. says.”
The way he was buried also has people divided. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) praised the mission but thought that they might have been overly sensitive to tradition in burying the body within 24 hours of death. Within Muslim communities there is debate over whether or not the burial actually adhered to Islam. Imam Khalid Latif, gives a persuasive argument of why bin Laden’s sea burial is in accordance with Islamic law because it takes wider society into account:
“Humanity on a whole has a right that needs to be considered in regard to bin Laden’s burial. Who would want this man buried next to their loved one? Is it appropriate, especially after he has caused such pain to so many, to put anyone in a situation where they might have to be buried near or next to him? I would say no.”
Some Americans, mostly young people gathered at Ground Zero and Times Square in New York and in front of the White House yesterday to celebrate bin Laden’s death, in a manner that made many uncomfortable. David Sirota wrote chanting “USA! USA! is the wrong response. Mona Eltahawy, a frequent contributor to the CG News Service was at Ground Zero on Monday and felt that the “frat boy” chants did little to dignify those who lost their lives. Recalling the uprisings across the Middle East she says:
“I’m not hearing sympathy for Bin Laden from Muslims and Arabs I know. They’re relieved he’s finally gone. But they’re understandably concerned that media obsession will let him hijack these noble revolutions. One man has been killed; dozens courageously staring down despots are slaughtered every day.”
