Does Barack Obama Deserve Credit for Eliminating Osama Bin Laden?

Barack Obama undeniably deserves the credit for the operation that eliminated Osama Bin Laden. This is not only because of his personal involvement but also due to the political and strategic context surrounding the attack. The argument that he should be credited for the achievement is strongly supported by the fact that it was his order and supervision that made the operation possible.

Obama's Decision-Making under Pressure

Obama faced significant pressure and mixed advice from his team, including his Vice President Joe Biden and foreign policy advisors, who initially counseled against the direct intervention that ultimately led to Bin Laden's elimination. Despite these mixed views, it was Obama who took the final decision. His courage to order the strike, despite warnings from his team, is a testament to his leadership and strategic vision.

Impact and Legacy: The Spoils of Victory

The principle, “to the victor go the spoils,” applies here. President Obama secured a significant victory in catching and eliminating one of the world's most notorious terrorists. Unlike his predecessor, George W. Bush, who only managed to severely damage Bin Laden's supporters but failed to eliminate Bin Laden himself, Obama's actions represented a clear victory and a direct resolution to one of the largest security threats of the early 21st century.

The Historical Context and Legal Authority

During the 1970s, President Lyndon B. Johnson famously said, "If you're on the hot dog stand and you're surrounded by hungry lobbyists and you're waiting in line for your hot dog, and you're let down, I take it you're tired of walking around with empty pockets." The sentiment here is that he, as the President, would have had to approve any action against Bin Laden. In the same vein, Obama, as the President, had the legal authority and responsibility to order and implement the operation.

The Legitimacy of the Elimination

Osama Bin Laden was the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people in the United States. He was responsible for coordinating a successful operation that changed the course of world history. In response, President Obama, a Harvard-educated president, led the team that successfully eliminated Bin Laden from his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in May 2011.

Like President Johnson, Obama had the responsibility to address this global threat. He understood that by eliminating Bin Laden, he would not only secure a critical victory for the United States but also contribute significantly to global security. This operation was a culmination of years of intelligence gathering, strategic planning, and negotiation with foreign governments, all under the directive and leadership of President Obama.

Conclusion

Barack Obama deserves the credit for eliminating Osama Bin Laden. Not only did he order and supervise the operation, but he also took personal responsibility for the mission's success and any potential risks associated with it. The decision and its execution were a testament to his leadership and strategic vision. Like previous presidents before him, he faced the responsibility and the consequences of his actions, ensuring that the United States addressed a significant global security threat. Thus, the credit for this operation rightfully belongs to Barack Obama, recognizing his remarkable achievement in confronting and eliminating one of the world's most dangerous terrorists.