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Pete Souza - White House Photo / via AP
A detail crop of Clinton from the Situation Room picture.
Update, May 5, 10:09 a.m.
The Secretary of State made some comments in Rome today calling the common interpretation of her expression in this picture into question. From the NBC News HOT file:
THESE REMARKS WERE MADE IN ROME THIS MORNING ABOUT THE PHOTO SNAPPED WHILE WATCHING THE OPERATION TO TAKE DOWN BIN LADEN IN THE SITUATION ROOM...THE QUESTION ASKED WAS WHAT WAS SHE THINKING AT THE TIME:
06:20:55 --Now with respect to your second question, those were 38 of the most intense minutes. I have no idea what any of us were looking at at that particular millisecond when the picture was taken. I'm somewhat sheepishly concerned that it was my preventing one of my early spring allergic coughs, so it may have no great meaning whatsoever. 06:21:18
Film at 11. . . Here's the video:
She also addressed much weightier issues. Read more: Clinton on terror: 'It does not end with one death'
Original post:
Pete Souza / The White House
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with with members of the national security team, receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House, May 1. Please note: a classified document seen in this photograph has been obscured.
This image is history in real time.
As the AP reported:
WASHINGTON — From halfway around the world, President Barack Obama and his national security team monitored the strike on Osama bin Laden's compound in real time, watching and listening to the firefight that killed the terrorist leader.
Gathered in the White House Situation Room, members of the group held their breath and barely spoke as they waited to see whether a carefully crafted yet extremely risky plan would succeed, said White House counterterrorism adviser John Brennan. Obama had been playing golf but returned to the White House for the suspenseful watch Sunday.Related: How satellites helped get Osama.
Leave a Comment:
As an American of this great country are happy about the news of the death of Osama bin Laden. A lot of Americans have died at the hands of this evil individual, which will be a mark in our memories forever. Speaking for myself and I'm sure other American people are asking the same question, how can we be sure that the death is of a real nature. They say they have proven his death by DNA, but we the American people deserve the right to know or see the facts of his death. We want to believe but how can we believe just on hearsay alone. I fly my American flag today for those who have died at the hands of Bin Laden and for me and my family............true American Patriots!
We all are relaxed for a moment that evil is gone...but devil is not...Still there are thousands are created..trained...and waiting to execute the acts of evil......America do something to root out the cause of terror......Prevention is better than cure...........Selfishness propogates haterd...which in return encourage action...than reaction......the weaker looses.......tries revenge.............innocent intangle in the vicious cycle..........more revange.....more deaths......cycle goes on ..........Please stop this.......Donot be selfish...being powerfull does give licience to anybody to enjoy more resources or others resources.....Generate. Love..Respect...Humanity....
Are you religious? Same concept. If Osama is truly alive, I'm sure he will make it known.
Hoo-Rah for the U.S. Military - We have the best on the planet, period. I believe that he's dead, but pictures of his dead body being dumped, unceramoniously, into the great sea would be appreciated. I do hope that POTUS cuts off all aid, brings home all the diplomats, consultants, soldiers, home - tomorrow. I hope he sets an example to all those other countries who deny aiding and abetting terror suspects. Lie to us, and this is what will happen. But, that is just the opinion of a free citizen, with head uncovered and unbowed.
I don't think it is fair to characterize burial at sea as a body being "dumped unceramoniously into the great sea." I believe that this method of burial at sea has been standard for quite some time.
Wow, there are at least three things in that post that are offensive. You sound like one of those stupid Americans who believe it's our way or the highway, and that anything that isn't just like it is in America is wrong. Not everyone in the world has the same morals and values as we do and that is just fine. As for the sea burial, that isn't unceremoniously being dumped and I have extreme respect for the governments decision to do that, because unlike some people in the world we have respect, mercy and compassion for even those who do evil things. Plus, just because other countries are being dicks to us, doesn't mean we should turn our back on our fellow man. There are actual people in those countries, normal every day citizens, husbands, wives, children, and to deny them aid because of their government is just a horrible thing to even contemplate. It's been this way for quite a while, America will help and not be helped. That's not saying that America always helps, because lord knows we have sat some stuff out until the very end and refused to help, but that's not the country I believe in today. But, that is just the opinion of a free citizen, with compassion and forgiveness in her heart.
I believe the tention in the faces of the people in this photo sum up the stress that terrorism brings on a nation. I believe all of these people in this photo are breathing a sye of relief today because this mastermind of terrorism is now gone. I also believe that all of these people will continue to hunt down terrorist whereever they try to hide until they totally root out all of the stress in the faces of peoples all over the world. May God bless all of these people and may God continue to bless America...
You're all mindless drones. As an American, I can't go a day without being stupefied by the lack of realization my fellow people have. You think it would honestly be that easy to just breach a million dollar compound, spend 40 minutes in a firefight, and only killing Bin Laden, and a few others including a human shield woman? This is obviously a cover up for something bigger in play and they just want to draw our attention away from it with a "victory" even though that did NOTHING for the safety of our country. Your government lies to you, and you can't tell the difference. Wake up.
@PoopHeaded
"As an American" vs. "Your government lies to you, and you can't tell the difference."
Obviously he's a liar: "Your govenment..." Makes me wonder who his government is.
Whata dork.
Would it be that easy to breach a million-dollar compound? Well, yes. A hundred-million dollar compound--a bit less easily. This particular compound, however, was above ground and only had walls--so, yes, a helicopter drop into it is pretty darned plausible. Given the advanced weaponry of our military (a good deal of which we don't know about)--but also the determination of those who were defending that compound--40 minutes also sounds extremely plausible. Also given the fact that they practiced this maneuver a couple of times and had a major problem with the helicopters which they had to fix--again, this seems plausible.
Now, if this were a raid on a building that was principally underground with meters-thick metal doors and it only took 10 minutes--well, no, that's a bit too Hollywood.
This is actually a fairly simple little operation--the main difficulty was that it was done in a foreign country that wasn't warned first (that makes it very tricky) so that the primary target wouldn't flee.
I don't see any reason to doubt this raid. Now, was this the major victory that is claimed, are we in a simple engagement to get rid of Al Qaeda, etc. Those things are a bit different. Certainly, there is a lot more to diplomacy and the world power structure than most of us understand. Is there a particular reason that we have to be mindless drones for going about our lives even though we know perfectly well that we are about as well informed as people were during WWII? We are only just now finding out about what happened then--heck, we are only just now finding out about what went on during the Civil War.
Most of us aren't quite so narcissitic that we have to know precisely what is going on with everyone, every second of every day. If I wanted to know about such things, I'd work for the government and earn enough trust that I could know what was going on on a higher level. But, I don't. This does not make me a mindless drone--it makes me practical. I vote for people who are reasonably trustworthy (no, I didn't vote for Bush) and leave it at that.
This is how representative democracy works. Welcome to the US. I hope you enjoy your stay.
I happen to agree with GotPooped On. Some talk about our superior weaponry systems and the fact that this was a simple operation. If so, how come it took 10 years of which 6 of those it is rumored that Bin Laden was at this partivular compund and never left. Is it possible that Bin Laden has been dead for several years now and because it is getting close to election time and our incumbent President is way behind in the poles that something like this had to be brought out to raise him up somehow? Just a question. You have to keep an open mind in matters like this. I believe our Government would lie to us in order to keep us behind them in their fight against the big bad boogey man.................. I do Love the USA, however, it has been proven over and over again that those in Political positions are not the most honest people in this country, they are the greediest................
It happened. Osama is dead. No one is going to bother to prove anything to me. I have no need to know. Neither to conspiracy theorist. Conspiracy theorist are there to entertain us. Also, they use air and space better utilized by a water buffalo.
You say "....easy....". It was not easy. It was years in the making. Get your facts straight.
As far as Clinton, it is obvious she was not shielding a cough. She was indicating her reaction to what she was seeing. Simple as that.
God Bless America and all those who fought and died defending this great Nation , Hope they come into Mexico and give us a hand, eliminating all the drug cartels
Pooped-- The raid was done AT NIGHT, in the dark, in a compound that had buildings-- and a tall fence around it. Is it easy to do it? They killed Bin Laden and a few others? They did what they were told to do-- being military they had orders and they followed them. Are you a civilian-- and always been a civilian?
I don't know about a "cover-up". Just as I'm sure you aren't, neither are ordinary citizens of the U.S. privvy to top secret missions or are we ever aware of what goes on behind the closed doors of any military or government meetings. I am simply an American who does have a mind of my own and I will believe what I choose to believe. I am not a sheep, nor a drone. WE AMERICANS are given that freedom to think and believe in whatever we so desire without fear we and our families will be beaten to death by the orders of maniacs..unlike these other countries whose tyrannical leaders tell them nothing about the world outside their desert homes and tents and only teach hatred for anyone not of their religion. Call us what you will....but Americans we're proud to be and who will always stand for what is good, decent and honorable in this world...from the top of the "heap" right on down to the person who wakes up every morning to go to their minimum wage jobs.
Have you lived in an impoverished nation?
Yes, I have! I live in the United States where the rich get richer and the poor die!
Coe: Good reply. I'm like Ho ho ho as in lol. It's not that it was funny per se; just a good remark to Paul.
Thank you, Nan-3012836. I'm 73-years-old and trying to survive in this Rich Man's America on a paltry Social Security check. Greed has taken this country down the path to destruction.... just look at the Republican Party and their Helter Skelter melee to do anything and everything they can to preserve the wealth of a few and let the rest of us rot in squalor. They are a horrible group of Money Monsters.
Sorry, Nan-967490, I used your screen name and my ID number.... duh!
MY BIG QUESTION IS! Where is the BODY! why the hell did they bury it in the sea? why is a fake picture flowing around in british press? and MOST important, why could'nt the government hold on to the body and display it to the public?? When SADAM was killed, the video of his execution was all over the INTERNET. Why not osama?? THE PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO SEE THE BODY!! Especially the VICTIMS. Not out of MORBID curiosity but as Confirmation that the man who killed their families has been smashed with the mallot of justice. OSAMA IS NOT DEAD UNTIL WE SEE HIS BODY SO GO DIG IT BACK UP FROM THE DAM SEA!!!!
And you are a bigger IDIOT! You have a RIGHT to see the body?? Who friggin' died and gave you that right? You really believe we should hang his body from the Brooklyn Bridge?? When the reprisal attacks and backlash from such thoughtless action starts, idiots like you will be the first to duck under their beds.
Hold your breathe and just EXPLODE! You are already full of gas/hot air anyway!
Paul: Regarding Saddam: I believe the Iraqi's and the internet allowed those photo's. Bin Laden is dead. If he is alive, he'll be showing up on the internet. Why don't you jump in the sea and bring him up for the world to see that he is dead ? He's dead. Get over it. Move on. Your anger comes from something else, I'm thinking.
I am relieved that we have on less major terrorist out there. However, I have to scoff that the Pres. failed to thank the whole US military for their efforts in this struggle in his speech to announce "his" victory. In addition, I find it very interesting that this mission interrupted his game of golf. It sure sounds likes he was in on the planning of this mission......
Wow! You sure are an IDIOT!
Gavin: You are full of you know what. I'm with OMOEKUN
The title of that picture should be changed to "Top leaders doing what they do best; Standing around." There are 13 faces in that photo that could be reacting to absolutely ANYTHING! Yet we have not seen nor will we ever see the face of Osama bin laden. At this point niether pictures nor DNA can be 100% believable, WE WANT THE BODY!! WE WANT THE BODY!! The public screams for justice and the BLOOD of innocent civilians on both sides and military have been in VAIN!! The public demands the HEAD of Osama bin laden litterally! nothing else will or should suffice!! People wake up! please!
Why didn't you go and get his head before he was killed??? Nobody stopped you!
Paul: You are the only one screaming here.
How sad, through movies media and modern influences the government has successfully turned American Citizens into drones that believe absolutely everything and question nothing! WE PAY TAXES PEOPLE! WE the PEOPLE have the power? have we forgotten? have we become so dependant on government?? What a sad day indeed for the United States of America.
R U a communist? Sure sound like it. If you don't like this country, find another one. Try Cuba.
The death of Osama is a welcome event in the fight against terrorism. This is not the end, and the struggle will continue. It is good to know that no significant attack has happened on US soil after the 9/11 tragedy. This is due to the preventive action, planning and effort of the security authorities concerned. Congrats!
The US will definitely continue to provide aid to Pakistan. If the nations were not on "talking terms", the US may not have been able to carry out the attack with helicopters etc. The US has known about the ISIs agenda and is working around it by pusing aid etc. It would be very difficult to work with a non-democratic government in Pakistan and the US has to prop up the government through aid for the benefit of the US.
Displaying Saddam's images on the Internet may have caused a backlash and hence the US may have decided to avoid the same this time. Also, the two deaths cannot be compared since one was a despotic leader of a single nation and the other was the leader of a terrorist organization. The two have to be handled differently.
Development & eradication of opression is necessary for avoiding people from moving to terrorism. We should learn from the various terrorist movements worldwide. Many of the despotic leaders or terrorist leaders have been nurtured/supported at one point or the other by other nations. They all have an element of responsibility in its creation/sustenance. They should get involved at addressing the core issues so that all of us can live in peace.
If they are afraid of backlash then they should not have killed him lol woow, a complicated and redundant answer does not make you look smart. Also, letting the world know it was SEAL TEAM 6 was a BIG mistake.
What is the picture on the photo om Clintons computer?
Read the caption, it is classified.
I can't understand those who do not think he is dead?
If he was not then I think somehow he would be the first person to stand up and say..
"um...hello...I'm still here chaps"
Would like to see the pixalated picture on HC laptop though.......looks like it could be a page3 from the good old SUN (UK) Newspaper
Show me the body. It is hard to believe that Bin Laden is dead without any proof. DNA and pictures could all be faked (as in the past). I do not understand why it was so all out important for us to bury him at sea in such a quick manner. We played mercenary, went into a foreign country, killed a man, and then decided to honor his religious belief of buring him with 24 hours of his death. I think we still had about 20 hours on the clock that proof could have been provided to the American People. On 9/11 they showed people jumping out of the Towers to avoid the inevitable, why not show us the remains of Bin Laden? An Eye for an Eye!!!!
Whilst the death of the this individual (Osama) brings some relief to the residents of this planet. I would like the US to continue its war on Terrorism and Evil. May your country strike fear into the hearts of those evil men who thirst for the blood of the innocent, may God give you strength to stamp out these radicals and rid the world of animals. It is a sad thing to rejoice at the death of a human being but it is a good thing to celebrate the removal of these demons from our Earth.
Poophead, You are exactly right, OBL was not killed. Also, we never went to the moon; JFK was never assasinated; Elvis is still alive and of course...911 was an inside job.
mjm: How good is your post !! Well said.
Just about everybody in this discussion has an opinion. A percentage of these responses are farily well thought out & very justifiable. Of course there are the conspiracy theorists put in there to keep open the possibilty...as remotely & ridiculous as it is...that somebody could actually pull off a scam of epic proportion on the entire world here.(but I guess open mindedness is actually good) And MANY others are simply demanding BLOOD pictures. They want the Head or the Body or the gruesome pics. And I guess that is what these particular people may NEED to see, in order to feel that they themselves are satisfied. It's the "All about ME!" syndrome. I want the Body...I want the Head, I want the bloody pics so that I can feel good. But isn't there a bigger picture that we are ALL missing? As Americans we DO have the RIGHT to demand what we want from our government. But we also should show some restraint & good judgement on how what we want as individuals...will affect others around the globe. In this day & age, we are heard worldwide as we write here in this article response. And everything we say here-in is a representation of our country. So if I was from another country I'd be seeing these comments about wanting to see the bloody head, the body, the bloody pics...& what would my perception of Americans be? Many times...we as Americans wonder WHY people in other countries around the world dislike or even hate us. We cannot understand why they feel this way. But when we display the same kind of sadistic hatred as the animals that we are hunting down...how are we any better than them? I would like to think that as Americans we can hold ourselves to a higher standard. We can remain in a higher position. I personally believe that we DO have a right to DEMAND the truth as Americans. But I also think we should excersice that right prudently & not abuse it. I think we sometimes become DRUNK on our freedon & we expect EVERYTHING to be delivered immediatly & in the fashion that we demand. But real life thruout the world...is not that way. We are LUCKY to have what we have here...and maybe we are becoming spoiled & abusing this right that we are lucky to have.(and many others in this world just dream about)
OKAY...SO...here is a scenario where-in your bloody pics might be counterproductive. What if all these people get their bloody pics. And then the enemy over in the middle east sees them. They put those pics on their websites & it motivates a young man to strap on a bomb vest & walk down to his local market. He finds the nearest group of U.S. Armed forces personel & he hits the button killing 10 of America's finest. So was it worth it for you to see your bloody pics? Was it worth 10 EXTRA American lives to quench your bood thirst for pics here at home in your cushy recliner in front of CNN?!? Was it? These people are living in dirt trenches, eating K-rations, taking live rounds, being blown up by IED's & YOU DEMAND blood pictures that could help the enemy to motivate!?! Let's think it out further my fellow Americans. Look DEEPER..THINK! There is MUCH MORE to life than what YOU & I WANT! What we do & say as Americans affects ALL of US!! And especially our Armed Forces out in the field of battle. Yeah I HATE what happened to our country on 9/11. And I want revenge just as much as YOU do. But please be patient. Life is like a boxing match. Only an idiot goes in swinging & punching in the 1st round. You'll be dead tired by the end of that 1st round. You have to keep moving & keep your eyes open & pick your spots. When you see an opportunity...you attack HARD!!! You pick your spots! Then you back off & you come hard again as soon as you get the chance. It's all about KNOWING the opponenet & exploiting his weaknesses. It is NOT about giving him motivtion to use AGAINST you. Your thirst for blood pics is just going to give the enemy more strength. This is just my opinion. Hey...I could be wrong. But I am just as American as any one of you. And I am ready to show patience for the sake of all my fellow Americans out there in the field of battle. We are sitting here at home in our cushy homes/apts & these people are making the ultimate sacrafice. And YOU DEMAND BLOOD PICS because you feel that YOU...WANT THAT...you feel that YOU DESERVE THAT!! C'mon people...let's think it out a little further. THEY are out there on the front lines & we are back here makin' it harder for them. We are supposed to support OUR troops...NOT THEIRS! Stop thinkin' about YOU & start to think about our troops.
VERY well said.
At the end of the day Osama is gone, wether it happened years ago or days ago it doesn't make a difference, but do you really think your president and government would make something up to increase the US as targets and have the chance a retaliation terrorist attack to make them selves more popular? NO didn't think so, get a life and be happy, obviously osama is gone because there hasn't been any further videos made of him. Don't you people think osama would have been in front of a camera telling us that america has failed again if he was here still, why would the president want to create more heartache for the 9/11 families just for his own satisfaction?
And burial of the body did osama think twice about the people he had killed?(NO) why should he have had the privledge in being buried (Sank to the bottom of the sea) in respect to his islamic religion, he had no respect for the families nor the lives that were lost.
I am so Happy that the world number one terorist leader killed by USA speacail forces, in Pakistan I have one question why USA president do not attack Pakistan instate of Afghanistan and Iraq to fight aginst terorisum ?
I am so Happy the world number one terorist leader killed by USA speacial forces in Pakistan, I have one question why USA president do not attack Pakistan to fight aginst terorisum instate of Afghanistan and Iraq?
I just love it, to bad I didn,t get the chance to hunt him down
I just hope his right hand man get,s threated the same way
in to the Ocean he goes,
OMG.. Who cares? She was watching someone get hunted down and shot. Who the heck cares why she had her hand on her mouth. Why do we have to analyze every gosh-darn thing we see? It gets so irritating after a while. Jeez!!
bull@!$%#, its all a game, mark my words, and these are very good actors, osama is alive and they are keeping him there, poor fellows who beleive in thier crap