Particularly as the details emerge that he was not armed, was not fighting off the attackers who invaded his home, the appearance of it having been an assassination, pure and simple, seem more and more clear.
The Bible says, “Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord.” Vengeance is not condoned, in other words, for mortals.
If the U.S. does not and will not follow what are standard “rules of engagement,” it cannot expect anyone else to do so either — an open invitation to future violations.
I would also agree with her comments on Bin Laden’s burial, except here, perhaps, the reality of the situation might just possibly excuse the burial at sea. A fight over his remains might have set off far broader violence.
Nor do I see those as inconsistent positions. The rules of engagement are a function of the lay world, apply internationally and work best if universally observed; rules regarding burial are a function of the spiritual world and vary according to the individual.
RUTH L. TIGHE
Tanapag
