Why we SHOULD NOT get Osama Bin Laden

Since late mid-September 2001, just days after 9/11 and everyone became familiar with the name Osama Bin Laden, almost all Americans have wanted to "get" him.  I felt that way, too, but I have learned the value of keeping him on the run, rather than capturing or killing him. 

First, Osama Bin Laden is only a "Spiritual Leader" and needed to have clear lines of communication to get his message out before 9/11.  Since that awful day, Al-Qaeda has become decentralized and no longer directs terror attacks around the world.  As long as he is on the run and unable to directly communicate with his fragmented organization, he is not the linchpin to ending Global Terrorism. 

Second, if we capture him, he will inspire his followers to fight for his release, or launch waves of attacks to pressure nations to urge his release.  If we kill him, he becomes a martyr and they will fight for him and what he represents.  Muslim Extremists will use any excuse to continue fighting non-Muslims and to destroy modern civilization. 

We must also consider where Osama Bin Laden would stand trial.  He isn't a United States citizen and therefore, does not qualify for equal protection under our law.  We must also consider how we would feel to be tried under a foreign legal system, because I don't think any American would want to stand trial in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, Russia, etc.  While our legal system may seem fair to most Americans compared to other countries, foreigners would probably feel better to be tried under their countries system.  If you don't understand cultural differences, this point would be hard to understand.  Unfortunately, most Al-Qaeda members are not aligned with any country and those who are, we don't trust their legal system to serve justice.  Many will acquit them and put them back on the street to commit future acts of terrorism. 

Another flaw in attempting to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden, is the unnecessary loss of American lives looking for him in an area where we "suspect" he is hiding.  What would happen if we sent thousands of American troops across the border into Pakistan, sustained hundreds of casualties, only to come out with nothing?  No one know where he is...we can only guess.  Would that be worth it?  What would happen if Pakistan turns on us and aligns itself with Al-Qaeda or the current government is overthrown by those loyal to Bin Laden...could we accept such a regime gaining control of that countries nuclear arsenal?  How safe would we feel then?  Thinking this one all the way through to conclusion might be sobering experience, but it's one we can't afford to dismiss or overlook. 

Osama Bin Laden is one of the worst criminals in history, but we must consider the consequences for putting him back in the spotlight, either captured or killed.  For now, he can only make sporadic appearances to try and get his message out to his followers.  I say, let him remain in hiding...out of sight, out of mind.  Only when he is captured or killed, will he become a significant figure for Al-Qaeda and those who wish to see liberty die.