One causal argument regarding Osama’s killing is an assertion that there is a connection linking the occurrence (his killing), to future peaceful coexistence and even possible retaliatory terrorist attacks. This shows the event as a precedent to other events. A causal assertion, for example, takes up the form of x-event causing a y-event. Here x refers to a source and y refers to a consequent. Consequently, Osama’s killing has sparked different reactions across the globe. This paper aims to show how one action leads to another, how people with a common interest can agree or disagree, and also how terrorist activities are viewed.
On the 1st day of May this year, an elite unit of the U.S. armed forces stormed a residential house in Pakistan. In the process, they killed a renowned terrorist, Osama Bin Laden (Wright 12). His killing was welcomed all over the globe as a justified end to a terrorist responsible for the death of thousands of innocent people across the world. This occurrence is also believed to be a positive and noteworthy turning-point on the war against terrorists, and related terrorist groups like al-Qaeda. Conversely, Osama’s killing was condemned by a number of his affiliates. These include “the Hamas, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, members of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Taliban” (Sherwell, 7). They have gone to an extent of wanting a total withdrawal of Americans in the Middle East. Sources even reveal encouragements by Jihadists to retaliate his death by executing terrorist attacks.
Generally, Osama’s killing has had beneficial effects. However, there is a need for precautionary measures to be taken citing retaliatory attacks to revenge his death by his affiliates. Because of his death, millions of people directly affected by his terrorist attacks have been in a way relieved believing that justice has finally been done. Because of his death again, we do feel that the war on terrorism is effective and terrorism can be dealt with. Another effect of his death is exposed in al-Qaeda, the biggest terrorist group in which he was a leader. By killing him, this group can be overcome.
It is also seen that after his death, a lot of Muslim countries starting with Pakistan where he was killed, approved what the U.S. had done. This shows that the relationship between the U.S. and Islamic countries is not bad after all. This is contrary to popular belief that Americans and Muslims don’t quite see eye to eye. Politically, there is this belief that because Obama’s administration was responsible for his killing, he might get a second term in office. As a result, his killing has had diverse effects.
Osama’s death has also had detrimental effects. These effects have come mainly from individuals and groups affiliated with him. Ever since his death, these groups have promised retaliatory attacks mainly against the U.S. government. Among these groups are the Al-Shabab militia group, the al-Qaeda, and the Muslim brotherhood among others. These groups are known to take up jihadist terrorist actions from anywhere and therefore making the world unsafe (Michaels, 2). As a result, Osama’s death may spark more terrorist attacks in the name of revenge.
“The killing of Bin Laden by U.S. forces is probably a more significant and symbolic victory in America’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign” (Maraia, 12). This proves that the effectiveness of counter-terrorism abilities possessed by the U.S. is effective. With this, terrorism will effectively be minimized and the world will be more peaceful and a better place. On the other hand, though, some of his affiliates will try to make possible retaliatory attacks which will still be insignificant after rooting out the main problem. Therefore, Osama’s death is seen to have had significant effects.
Works cited
Maraia, John. The Impact of Osama bin Laden’s Death. Washington DC. United States Institute of Peace. 2011. Print.
Michaels, Maggie. “Al-Qaeda Vows Revenge for Osama Bin Laden’s Death”. Associated Press 2011: A1. Print.
Sherwell, Philip. “Osama bin Laden Killed: Behind the scenes of the Deadly raid”. The Daily Telegraph 2011 late ed.: A1. Print.
Wright, Tom. Osama’s Death. The Wall Street Journal, 21 (1), 12-23. 2011. Print.