People were celebrating at Ground Zero last night. Osama Bin Laden was killed in a complex in Pakistan. I’m unclear whether the Pakistani government participated in the operation that led to his death on their soil. According to some reports in British papers, he has been buried at sea.

I imagine burying him at sea will prevent his grave from becoming a site on the “to do” list of Al Qaeda pilgrims.  Yet, I can’t imagine that this will be the end of terrorism. Already somebody I’ve never heard of, but reportedly a Taliban leader, has announced that the Taliban will avenge Bin Laden’s death.

I’ll admit that confused me a bit. I thought that Bin Laden was the leader of Al Qaeda, not the Taliban. I’ve also read reports that the U.S., in attempts to “win the hearts and minds,” have been negotiating with the Taliban in Afghanistan. So much for that strategy.

President George W. Bush told Bin Laden that he was wanted “Dead or Alive.” That mission has been completed, and it does give closure and a feeling of justice to the survivors of 9/11. Sadly, it probably also means that Americans abroad will be targeted by revenge seekers. The U.S. has already warned travelers of this possibility.

So, Bin Laden is dead, but nothing has really changed. America is still chasing terrorists. And terrorists are still targeting Americans. I can’t bring myself to celebrate the death of this evil man. We haven’t been liberated from the fear of terrorism.

Homework:

Qudos Vows to Avenge Bin Laden's Death

June 2010 Report Re U.S. Negotiating with Taliban

Travel Warning for U.S. Citizens

the Wicked Witch Is Dead