Osama Bin Laden
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Osama Bin Laden: March 10, 1957 - May 02, 2011
Osama Bin Laden, also known as Usama bin Laden, was top of the US "most wanted list" for 10 years, following the 9/11 Attacks on New York and Washington. But what else do we know about Bin Laden? Dead at the hands of US forces, in Pakistan following an attack on a compound at Abbottabad, 100km (62 miles) north-east of Islamabad.
Where was Bin Laden born? What about his family? How did he become the world's most wanted man?
Here you will find the background to Bin Laden and how he became so radicalised as to found one of the most feared organisations in the world: Al-Qaeda plus up to date news about his death.
Image: Osama Bin Laden by Ochoa, Isy from Allposters.com
Where was Bin Laden born? What about his family? How did he become the world's most wanted man?
Here you will find the background to Bin Laden and how he became so radicalised as to found one of the most feared organisations in the world: Al-Qaeda plus up to date news about his death.
Image: Osama Bin Laden by Ochoa, Isy from Allposters.com
Contents at a Glance
Osama Bin Laden - his early years
Osama Bin Laden's parents & upbringing
Born on March 10, 1957 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden was a member of the Saudi Arabian bin Laden family. His father was Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden a wealthy businessman with close ties to the Saudi royal family, whose company built most of the roads in Saudi Arabia.Osama bin Laden's mother was Hamida al-Attas - his father's 10th wife. His parents divorced shortly after his birth and his mother married Mohammed al-Attas. His mother went on to have four more children and Bin Laden lived with his mother, step-father, three half-brothers and one half-sister.
Raised as a devout Wahhabi Muslim, Osama attended a very elite, secular school, the Al-Thager Model School from 1968 to 1976.
However, it was in 1967 that he inherited huge wealth following the death of his father in a plane crash.
Bin Laden studied Civil Engineering at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was here that came into contact with teachers and students of a more conservative brand of Islam and through his study and debate of these beliefs he began to abhor the decadence of the West.
Image of Riyadh released into the Public Domain
The Radicalization of Bin Laden
Bin Laden fought against the Soviets in Afghanistan
When the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in December 1979 Bin Laden moved to Afghanistan. For 10 years he fought alongside the mujahideen against the Russians.
It is widely believed that the US Central Intelligence Agency played an active role in arming and training the mujahideen, including Bin Laden and President Reagan often praised Osama's Mujahideen as Afghanistan's "Freedom Fighters."
Bin Laden came to believe that Afghanistan under the rule of Mullah Omar's Taliban was "the only Islamic country" in the Muslim world. He believed that Muslim Sharia Law needed to be restored in the muslim world and that all other ideologies should be opposed.
Osama consistently promoted the belief that violent jihad was required to correct what he called injustices against Muslims perpetrated by the United States and other non-Muslim states.
One of his most controversial declarations was that civilians, including women and children, are legitimate targets of jihad.
Osama Bin Laden's hatred of Moscow shifted to Washington during the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq. Bin Laden declared the invasion as blasphemy after 300,000 US troops, including women, were based in Saudi Arabia, home of two of Islam's holiest places.
As a result he became involved with many anti-US factions in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia removed his citizenship in 1994, and froze the assets he owned in Saudi Arabia. However, it is widely believed that he was able to build his financial portfolio through a series of lucrative investments elsewhere. He moved to Sudan where he worked as a Civil Engineer. But in 1996 he left Sudan, was disowned by his family and he moved back to Afghanistan.
Mortar attack on Shigal Tarna garrison, Kunar Province, 87
By Erwin Lux CC-BY-SA-3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
It is widely believed that the US Central Intelligence Agency played an active role in arming and training the mujahideen, including Bin Laden and President Reagan often praised Osama's Mujahideen as Afghanistan's "Freedom Fighters."
Bin Laden came to believe that Afghanistan under the rule of Mullah Omar's Taliban was "the only Islamic country" in the Muslim world. He believed that Muslim Sharia Law needed to be restored in the muslim world and that all other ideologies should be opposed.
Osama consistently promoted the belief that violent jihad was required to correct what he called injustices against Muslims perpetrated by the United States and other non-Muslim states.
One of his most controversial declarations was that civilians, including women and children, are legitimate targets of jihad.
Osama Bin Laden's hatred of Moscow shifted to Washington during the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq. Bin Laden declared the invasion as blasphemy after 300,000 US troops, including women, were based in Saudi Arabia, home of two of Islam's holiest places.
As a result he became involved with many anti-US factions in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia removed his citizenship in 1994, and froze the assets he owned in Saudi Arabia. However, it is widely believed that he was able to build his financial portfolio through a series of lucrative investments elsewhere. He moved to Sudan where he worked as a Civil Engineer. But in 1996 he left Sudan, was disowned by his family and he moved back to Afghanistan.
Bin Laden's Family
Growing Up bin Laden: Osama's Wife and Son Take Us Inside Their Secret World
At the age of 17, in 1974 Osama married his first wife Najwa Ghanem at Latakia. She was just 15 and together they had seven sons and four daughters.
It is believed that Bin Laden married four women but there's confusion about exactly how many children he fathered. Estimates range from 12 to 24.
In late 2010 Najwa, together with son Omar, collaborated with Jean Sasson to publish a book: Growing Up bin Laden: Osama's Wife and Son Take Us Inside Their Secret World.
It is believed that Bin Laden married four women but there's confusion about exactly how many children he fathered. Estimates range from 12 to 24.
In late 2010 Najwa, together with son Omar, collaborated with Jean Sasson to publish a book: Growing Up bin Laden: Osama's Wife and Son Take Us Inside Their Secret World.
Growing Up bin Laden: Osama's Wife and Son Take Us Inside Their Secret World
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 02/23/2012)
Given recent events and the death of Osama Bin Laden, this book provides a fascinating insight into the private family life of one of the most notorious people who ever lived.
Najwa tells about a young husband frequently away on business and her own secluded life. A dutiful wife, Najwa gave birth to seven sons and four daughters. She was also forced to accept at least three other wives and their children into the family homes.
Omar, the fourth child of Osama and Najwa, recalls a very strict father who allowed no toys. He even insisted on no ventilators for boys who suffered from asthma and would take them on hikes in the desert with no water.
Omar was taken by his father to a training camp at 15 and the boy's dawning understanding about his father's involvement in al-Qaeda led to confrontations and the break down of their relationship. The son's love and pride in his father turned to shame for his father's notoriety as a terrorist and his involvement in the 9/11 attacks on the US.
Al-Qaeda
Founded sometime between August 1988 and late 1989
His wealth placed Bin Laden in a unique position. He was able to finance Al-Qaeda and acts of terrorism.It is believed that the first bombing attack involving bin Laden was the December 29, 1992 bombing of the Gold Mihor Hotel in Aden. Two people were killed.
More attacks attributed to Bin Laden included the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York, a 1995 car bomb in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh and a truck bombing in Saudi Arabian barracks, which killed 19 US soldiers.
Due to his involvement in the 1998 US Embassy bombings, Bin Laden was placed on the American Federal Bureau of Investigation's lists of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and Most Wanted Terrorists.
224 people died and nearly 5,000 were wounded in the bombings of the American Embassies in Kenya and Tanzanier. Bin Laden and 16 of his associates were indicted.
The FBI offered a reward of $25m (£15m) for his head and huge efforts were made to capture or kill him. This included a missile strike into six training camps in eastern Afghanistan. They missed their target by just one hour.
Al-Qaeda Flag - in the Public Domain
The 9/11 Bombings
September 11, 2001
September 11, 2001 will live in the memories of everyone old enough to understand what was happening. I remember having a business meeting at my "home office" and being surprised when my colleague arrived and told me that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Centre. We turned on the television and thensat transfixed and appalled as the dreadful events of that day unfolded before our very eyes.
My son was in Malaysia and my parents in Crete - the location of a British Air Force base. I just wanted them all home.
By the end of that dreadful day, two hijacked aircraft had been deliberately crashed into, and had destroyed, the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York.
Another civilian aircraft ploughed into the Pentagon in Washington and a fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. More than 3,000 people died in the attacks, the worst terrorist attack the world has ever seen and which led to the US-led operation against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Twin Towers of the World Trade Center Burn Behind the Empire State Buildiing, September 11, 2001
from Allposters.com
My son was in Malaysia and my parents in Crete - the location of a British Air Force base. I just wanted them all home.
By the end of that dreadful day, two hijacked aircraft had been deliberately crashed into, and had destroyed, the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York.
Another civilian aircraft ploughed into the Pentagon in Washington and a fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. More than 3,000 people died in the attacks, the worst terrorist attack the world has ever seen and which led to the US-led operation against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Where is Osama Bin Laden?
Massive Manhunt Launched by the USA
The 9/11 bombings precipitated one of the biggest manhunts the world has ever seen.
Until May 02, 2011, the last known sighting of Bin Laden by anyone other than his very close entourage had been in late 2001. This is as he prepared to flee from his Tora Bora stronghold, a complex of caves in Afghanistan. At first it was believed he may have been killed during the battle at the caves.
Frustratingly for the Allied Forces, Bin Ladin had slipped across the nearby border with Pakistan, a country in which he had managed to achieve cult status.
In February 2003, an audio tape, claiming to be of Bin Laden, was delivered to the Al-Jazeera television company. Referring to the impending invasion of Iraq, the voice said:
"This crusaders' war concerns, first and foremost, all Muslims, regardless of whether the Iraqi socialist party or Saddam remain in power. All Muslims, especially those in Iraq, should launch a holy war."
It was accepted by the US and its allies that the voice was probably Bin Laden's.
It is believed that Bin Laden was given shelter in Pakistan by Pashtun tribesmen loyal to the Taliban and so commenced a game of cat and mouse with the Allied Forces that was to last for nearly 10 years.
Videos of Bin Laden were rare, although Al-Qaeda has regularly issued audio messages, often on the internet and featuring the network's second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Bin Laden's sporadic appearances have been carefully timed. Analysts agree that these videos are always aimed at influencing Western public opinion by attempting to establish a gulf between normal people and their leaders. One such video was issued in days before the US Presidential election.
Another video was released just before the sixth anniversary of the 11 September attacks. The purpose of this was believed to quell rumours that Bin Laden was dead.
Until May 02, 2011, the last known sighting of Bin Laden by anyone other than his very close entourage had been in late 2001. This is as he prepared to flee from his Tora Bora stronghold, a complex of caves in Afghanistan. At first it was believed he may have been killed during the battle at the caves.
Strikes on Tora Bora
by Members of team Juliet Forward
(exact member unknown - either CIA or US military)
via Wikimedia Commons
Frustratingly for the Allied Forces, Bin Ladin had slipped across the nearby border with Pakistan, a country in which he had managed to achieve cult status.
In February 2003, an audio tape, claiming to be of Bin Laden, was delivered to the Al-Jazeera television company. Referring to the impending invasion of Iraq, the voice said:
"This crusaders' war concerns, first and foremost, all Muslims, regardless of whether the Iraqi socialist party or Saddam remain in power. All Muslims, especially those in Iraq, should launch a holy war."
It was accepted by the US and its allies that the voice was probably Bin Laden's.
It is believed that Bin Laden was given shelter in Pakistan by Pashtun tribesmen loyal to the Taliban and so commenced a game of cat and mouse with the Allied Forces that was to last for nearly 10 years.
Videos of Bin Laden were rare, although Al-Qaeda has regularly issued audio messages, often on the internet and featuring the network's second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Bin Laden's sporadic appearances have been carefully timed. Analysts agree that these videos are always aimed at influencing Western public opinion by attempting to establish a gulf between normal people and their leaders. One such video was issued in days before the US Presidential election.
Another video was released just before the sixth anniversary of the 11 September attacks. The purpose of this was believed to quell rumours that Bin Laden was dead.
Osama Bin Laden Dead
May 02, 2011
Helicopters were seen hovering over the compound and when they landed, soldiers told local residents not to leave their homes and to switch off their lights.
Residents have told the BBC that they could hear shots and the sound of heavy firearms. It is also unclear as to whether one of the helicopters crashed.
US Intelligence officials are quoted by Associated Press as saying that the house inside the compound was very fortified and specially built to shelter a major "terrorist" figure. Local people say the house is owned by people from the Pakistan area of Waziristan, known to be sympathetic to Bin Laden.
Following the completion of the mission, local troops from Pakistan arrived and took over the area.
Reporters from the BBC confirm that there's a US Base at Tarbela Ghazi, an area close to Abbottabad and that the military involved in the operation were probably US Marines from that base.
Picture of the front gate at the Pakistan Military Training Academy reproduced from Wikipedia under the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 granted by Hassanpak30
President Obama confirms the death of Bin Laden
Obama's Address to the Nation
President Obama announced Bin Laden's death in an address delivered in the East Room at The White House at 23:35 EDT (04:35 GMT).
Thanks to the Time Zones, although Obama's Death occurred on May 02, 2011 in Pakistan, it was announced on May 01, in the US!
In his address Obama said:
"We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day."
Thanks to the Time Zones, although Obama's Death occurred on May 02, 2011 in Pakistan, it was announced on May 01, in the US!
In his address Obama said:
"We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day."
British Prime Minister David Cameron
Cameron's Reaction to Obama's Death
British Prime Minister David Cameron said:
"The news that Osama Bin Laden is dead will bring great relief to people across the world.
Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen - for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British.
It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror."
"The news that Osama Bin Laden is dead will bring great relief to people across the world.
Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen - for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British.
It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror."
Bin Laden's Death on Twitter
Twitter User Tweets the Raid on Obama's Compound
Without realising what was happening, an IT Consultant living in Abbottabad, tweeted details of the raid on Twitter. Sohaib Athar, Twitter user ReallyVirtual, tweeted that a helicopter was hovering overhead shortly before the assault began. He commented that it might not be a Pakistani aircraft.
The irony of this is that, in his Twitter profile, he describes himself as:
"An IT consultant taking a break from the rat-race by hiding in the mountains with his laptops."
Athar only became aware of the significance of his tweets after US President Obama announced details of Osama Bin Laden's death.
The irony of this is that, in his Twitter profile, he describes himself as:
"An IT consultant taking a break from the rat-race by hiding in the mountains with his laptops."
Athar only became aware of the significance of his tweets after US President Obama announced details of Osama Bin Laden's death.
Abbottabad
by Fraz.khalid1 (Own work) under Creatuive Commons
via Wikimedia Commons
Where is Bin Laden Buried?
Bin Laden was buried at sea
CNN reports that Bin Laden was buried at sea, with all Muslim burial rituals respected. The commemoration was conducted on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea.A Senior American Defense Department Official said:
"When there is no land alternative, Islamic law dictates that the body be buried within 24 hours, and that was the basis."
Another Defence Official said:
"There was no country willing or able to accept the body for burial" and that US forces "took pains to observe Muslim law."
He went on to state:
"The body was washed and placed in a white sheet. A military official read prepared remarks, which were then translated into Arabic by a native speaker. The body of Osama bin Laden was placed on a flat board, which was then tipped up, and allowed to slide into the sea."
Image of the USS Carl Vinson is in the Public Domain
Al-Qaeda Confirms Bin Laden is Dead
May 06, 2011
News channels around the world report that Al-Qaeda has confirmed that Osama Bin Laden is dead on its website.
Books about Osama bin Laden
Political Leaders and Former Leaders React to the Death of Bin Laden
Former US President George W Bush
This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.
Former US President Bill Clinton
This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in al-Qaeda's other attacks but for people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and co-operation for our children.
I congratulate the president, the National Security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al-Qaeda attacks.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
After September 11, 2001, we gave our word as Americans that we would stop at nothing to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden. After the contribution of millions, including so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we have kept that word.
New Yorkers have waited nearly 10 years for this news. It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai
We hope that the terrorists' activities will be stopped after Osama Bin Laden's death which was his punishment.
And as well, the world should realise what we have repeatedly said all these years and every single day, that the war against terrorism should not be followed in the villages of Afghanistan.
The war against terrorism is not in the houses of innocent Afghan civilians. The fight against terrorism is not in bombing children and women in Afghanistan. The war against terrorism should be carried out in his safe haven, sanctuary and his training camp, not in Afghanistan, and today this has been proved right.
Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani
We will not allow our soil to be used against any other country for terrorism and therefore I think it's a great victory, it's a success and I congratulate the success of this operation.
Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen - for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British.
It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror.
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
My heartfelt gratitude to President Obama and to all of those who so brilliantly undertook and executed this operation. We should never forget 9/11 was also the worst ever terrorist attack against UK civilians, and our thoughts are with all those - American, British and from nations across the world - who lost their lives and with their loved ones who remain and who live with their loss.
9/11 was an attack not just on the United States, but on all those who shared the best values of civilisation.
The operation shows those who commit acts of terror against the innocent will be brought to justice, however long it takes.
So this is a huge achievement in the fight against terrorism but we know the fight against the terrorism and the ideology that Bin Laden represents continues and is as urgent as ever.
European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek
We have woken up in a more secure world.
Russia
The Kremlin welcomes the serious success the United States achieved in the war against international terrorism. Retribution inevitably reaches all terrorists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
This is a resounding triumph for justice, freedom and the values shared by all democratic nations fighting shoulder to shoulder in determination against terrorism.
Palestinian Authority spokesman Ghassan Khatib
Getting rid of Bin Laden is good for the cause of peace worldwide but what counts is to overcome the discourse and the methods - the violent methods - that were created and encouraged by Bin Laden and others in the world.
Australia Prime Minister Julia Gillard
Whilst al-Qaeda has been hurt today, al-Qaeda is not finished. Our war against terrorism must continue. We continue to be engaged in Afghanistan so that that country does not again become a haven for terrorists.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key
Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people, including New Zealanders, in several different parts of the world.
While his removal will not necessarily bring an immediate end to terrorist activity, I have absolutely no doubt that the world is a safer place without Osama Bin Laden.
This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.
Former US President Bill Clinton
This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in al-Qaeda's other attacks but for people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and co-operation for our children.
I congratulate the president, the National Security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al-Qaeda attacks.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
After September 11, 2001, we gave our word as Americans that we would stop at nothing to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden. After the contribution of millions, including so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we have kept that word.
New Yorkers have waited nearly 10 years for this news. It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai
We hope that the terrorists' activities will be stopped after Osama Bin Laden's death which was his punishment.
And as well, the world should realise what we have repeatedly said all these years and every single day, that the war against terrorism should not be followed in the villages of Afghanistan.
The war against terrorism is not in the houses of innocent Afghan civilians. The fight against terrorism is not in bombing children and women in Afghanistan. The war against terrorism should be carried out in his safe haven, sanctuary and his training camp, not in Afghanistan, and today this has been proved right.
Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani
We will not allow our soil to be used against any other country for terrorism and therefore I think it's a great victory, it's a success and I congratulate the success of this operation.
Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen - for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British.
It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror.
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
My heartfelt gratitude to President Obama and to all of those who so brilliantly undertook and executed this operation. We should never forget 9/11 was also the worst ever terrorist attack against UK civilians, and our thoughts are with all those - American, British and from nations across the world - who lost their lives and with their loved ones who remain and who live with their loss.
9/11 was an attack not just on the United States, but on all those who shared the best values of civilisation.
The operation shows those who commit acts of terror against the innocent will be brought to justice, however long it takes.
So this is a huge achievement in the fight against terrorism but we know the fight against the terrorism and the ideology that Bin Laden represents continues and is as urgent as ever.
European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek
We have woken up in a more secure world.
Russia
The Kremlin welcomes the serious success the United States achieved in the war against international terrorism. Retribution inevitably reaches all terrorists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
This is a resounding triumph for justice, freedom and the values shared by all democratic nations fighting shoulder to shoulder in determination against terrorism.
Palestinian Authority spokesman Ghassan Khatib
Getting rid of Bin Laden is good for the cause of peace worldwide but what counts is to overcome the discourse and the methods - the violent methods - that were created and encouraged by Bin Laden and others in the world.
Australia Prime Minister Julia Gillard
Whilst al-Qaeda has been hurt today, al-Qaeda is not finished. Our war against terrorism must continue. We continue to be engaged in Afghanistan so that that country does not again become a haven for terrorists.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key
Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people, including New Zealanders, in several different parts of the world.
While his removal will not necessarily bring an immediate end to terrorist activity, I have absolutely no doubt that the world is a safer place without Osama Bin Laden.
Was it right to kill Bin Laden?
What do YOU think?
Following the announcement of Bin Laden's death and that he was unarmed, unease has been expressed by those who believe it was not right to kill him. This page provides an opportunity to debate whether more effort should have been made to capture Bin Laden alive and bring him to trial.
Did the operation against Bin Laden delay William and Kate's Honeymoon?
Speculation in UK is mounting
Less than 24 hours after the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, people in the UK were very surprised to hear that the newly-wed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge "have chosen not to depart for a honeymoon immediately".
Clarence House (the couple's official residence) said:
"The locations of both their private weekend before The Duke returns to work and their future honeymoon, which will be overseas, will not be disclosed in advance."
Speculation is mounting that senior British Security Officials, who were probably already aware of the impending Special Forces Operation against Bin Laden, would have advised against the couple going on holiday at this time.
The Royal Wedding took place at the exact same time as US President Obama was authorising the mission.
Clarence House (the couple's official residence) said:
"The locations of both their private weekend before The Duke returns to work and their future honeymoon, which will be overseas, will not be disclosed in advance."
Speculation is mounting that senior British Security Officials, who were probably already aware of the impending Special Forces Operation against Bin Laden, would have advised against the couple going on holiday at this time.
The Royal Wedding took place at the exact same time as US President Obama was authorising the mission.
News about Osama Bin Laden
The latest headlines
- Authorities say teen swung at flight attendant, sang about bin Laden; cousin ...
- A Saudi Arabian teenager has been indicted on charges of interfering with a flight crew after authorities alleged he tried to hit fellow passengers, took a swing at a flight attendant and referred to Osama bin Laden during a flight to Houston.
- 17 Pakistanis fired over bin Laden raid
- By Saeed Shah ISLAMABAD ? Seventeen local health workers have been fired for their part in a scheme that the CIA orchestrated in an effort to confirm that al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden was hiding in a walled compound in the Pakistani town of ...
- Teen arrested in flight ruckus sang of bin Laden
- Abunayyan, a Saudi Arabian teenager who police say say swung his fist at a flight attendant and praised Osama bin Laden during a flight from Portland to Houston, has appeared in court Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012 to hear the charges against him.
- CSIS report on bin Laden released
- OTTAWA ? Just hours after US forces killed Osama bin Laden, Canada's spy agency predicted Islamic radicalism would live on despite the al-Qaida leader's death. A newly released assessment by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service says bin Laden ...
BBC News about Osama Bin Laden
Latest headlines
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Sources for Osama Bin Laden
And further reading
Information about Osma Bin Laden has been researched from these websites, on which you will find more detailed information about all aspects concerning Bin Laden's life.
- Obama: 'A good day for America' - CNN.com
- As reactions poured in from all over the world to the announcement that Osama bin Laden was killed in a U.S. operation, President Barack Obama declared it "a good day for America."
- U.S. troops kill Osama bin Laden in Pakistan – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs
- Editor's note: We'll be providing you with the latest information, the most interesting and compelling details and angles on Osama bin Laden's death as we get them here on this live blog. For the big picture that tells the story in full, click here.
- Fact Sheet: Osama bin Ladin
- The State Department web site below is a permanent electronic archive of information released prior to January 20,2001.
- Statements on Terrorism & Usama bin Laden — Central Intelligence Agency
- Public Statements on Terrorism and Usama bin Laden since July 1997
- BBC News - Obituary: Osama Bin Laden
- Osama Bin Laden orchestrated the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US. He fought for the mujahideen against the Soviets in Afghanistan before organising terror campaigns around the globe.
- al-Qaeda - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- al-Qaeda on Wikipedia
- Osama bin Laden - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Osama bin Laden on Wikipedia
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Edutopia
Feb 14, 2012 @ 7:02 pm | delete
- I still have mixed feelings on the assassination of Bin Laden but we absolutely made the right decision in the way we handled his burial rights. If we had done anything else we'd only have continued to fan the flames of US resentment and drive more moderate on the edge of radical Muslims firmly into the radicalized camp.
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Vallygems1
Jan 14, 2012 @ 7:37 am | delete
- Great lens very informative
Thank You
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23squidoo
May 30, 2011 @ 12:52 am | delete
- Wonderfully informative, and timely too! Squid Angel blessed!
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ideadesigns
May 21, 2011 @ 12:09 pm | delete
- Well done. Great source of information here. Lots to see and so little time. I hadn't heard of that book before, interesting. I think discovery had a show the other night about the details, shocking really.
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gypsyman27
May 9, 2011 @ 9:12 pm | delete
- Very good lens, well done. I don't know if the wool is being pulled over our eyes. Everyone believes conspiracy is in every corner these days. It is appalling that trust of anyone and anything has gone out the window. Well it doesn't matter, with the information available to you, this is a wonderful job and I certainly commend you. See you around the galaxy...
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