Why would anyone doubt the killing of Osama bin Laden?

So Osama bin Laden  is now officially dead, okay. 

Still there are tons of people out there who doubt the story.  Some think he's still alive and others contend he's been dead for years.  There are plenty of American citizens who doubt what their own government is telling them. 

Who can you blame them?

Oswald's magic bullet, the Gulf of Tonkin, "I am not a crook", babies tossed from incubators, weapons of mass destruction....

There's a very long list of 'disinformation' that's come out of Washington over the years, propaganda designed to push public opinion in one direction or another, and frequently at times of conflict or outright war.  They say the first casualty of war is truth, so I won't cast aspersions on anyone who doesn't lap up whatever kool-ade Washington is dispensing. 

Maybe its true, maybe not.

Of course if it isn't true, if Osama was already dead or if he's still hiding out...Why now?  Good question so here are two quick thoughts.

U.S. president Barack Obama should get a very healthy boost in approval ratings as Americans celebrate the killing of this Orwellian Emanuel Goldstein.  Its hard to see this as doing anything to hurt his chances at re-election next year.  The Republicans are just beginning to ramp up their search for their nominee in 2012.  But is anyone paying attention now?

More compelling though is what this means with regard to U.S. relations with Pakistan.  How effective with Islamabad be at limiting efforts to expand the Afghan war to neighbouring Pakistani territory?  With Pakistan's military and intelligence community being accused of colluding with bin Laden it will be difficult if not impossible for them to resist U.S. overtures for greater freedom in breaching Pakistani sovereignty.

NDP deputy leader Thomas Mulcair quickly clarified his thoughts on the matter, after leaving the impression he doubted the story.  Even if he is convinced bin Laden was killed, there are plenty of other people out there who have their doubts, and they're not all wearing tin foil.

 

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