MidnightWatcher's Blogspot

Osama Bin Laden, a man who claimed to love death more than we love life, is confirmed dead.  He was killed by US forces in a ground operation within Pakistan, shot twice in the chest and head.  His body was in possession of the US military and has since been buried at sea. Will the Islamic world cheer or jeer?  Their reaction will be very telling …

Update: … and indeed it is.

Arabs Riot in Jerusalem Over Bin Laden’s Demise – “Arabs in the village of Silwan, adjacent to the City of David neighborhood in Jerusalem, rioted Monday night in protest over the elimination of Osama Bin-Laden. The rioters were throwing stones at police and attempting to block roads.”  Read more.

Islamic scholars criticize Bin Laden’s sea burial – “… a violation of Islamic tradition that may further provoke militant calls for revenge attacks against American targets.” Read more.

Hamas condemns killing of ‘holy warrior’ bin Laden – “We regard this as a continuation of the American policy based on oppression and the shedding of Muslim and Arab blood,” Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas administration in the Gaza Strip, told reporters.”  Read more.

Egypt Muslim Brotherhood condemns Bin Laden death – “Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, a conservative organization with links around the Islamic world, has condemned the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces as an ‘assassination.'”  Read more.

Hundreds join Quetta rally in Pakistan to honour bin Laden – “‘Bin Laden was the hero of the Muslim world and after his martyrdom he has won the title of great mujahed (Muslim fighter)’…”  Read more.

Palestinian Imam says ‘Omama will soon hang’ – “An imam from the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem vowed to take revenge over ‘the western dogs’ for killing Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan on Sunday… ‘The western dogs are rejoicing after killing one of our Islamic lions. From Al-Aqsa Mosque, where the future caliphate will originate with the help of God…'” Read more.

South African Muslim Council Condemns Bin Laden Killing – “The council’s Nabeweya Malick said, ‘The Muslim Judicial Council questions the timing of the action of the United States and also the reason for the killing because we do not believe that any government or any leader has a legal right to order the killing of another person … The actions of the United States have really sent a strong message to the Muslim community globally, that we [United States] don’t respect your customs [or] your religion.'” Read more.

Iraqi TV calls Bin Laden a ‘Saint’ – “‘On TV, he is described as a saint. Even serious people view him as an actual mujahid (fighter), a shahid (martyr) who should be celebrated as such. An imam said that just [by shedding] a drop of his blood, he will go to heaven.'” Read more.

Devout Muslims in Indonesia Hold Mass Prayers for Bin Laden – “Indonesian police were due Wednesday to guard mass prayers organised by the hardline Islam Defenders Front (FPI) for Osama Bin Laden… The prayers were due to be held at the FPI headquarters in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.”  Read more.

Islamic Leaders in Kenya Condemn Killing of Bin Laden – “Islamic leaders have have condemned the killing of Al-Qaida Leader Osama Bin Laden … the leaders said Osama’s ideology will continue forever … Sheikh Dor described Osama as a Muslim brother who was championed the rights of the Islamic world against invasions of the West.” Read more.

Islamic Group Chairman in Kashmir to Lead Prayers for Bin laden – “‘The slain Laden had entire Muslim world’s pain in him. He (Laden) left the life of leisure for the downtrodden and suppressed Muslims of the world. So it’s our duty to repay his good deeds by praying for him,’ said Geelani.”  Read more.

Backlash Grows in Pakistan Over Bin Laden’s Death – “Hundreds of people marched through Multan, burning U.S. flags and waving placards as they warned the terrorist’s death could produce many more radical figures to take his place. It comes after crowds of weeping mourners were pictured offering funeral prayers for the Al Qaeda mastermind widely blamed for thousands of deaths at 9/11.”  Read more.

LONDON: Furious Bin Laden Supporters Vow to Take Revenge – ‘It is Only a Matter of Time Before Another Atrocity’ – “US leaders were branded ‘murderers’ by radicals, who warned vengeance attacks were ‘guaranteed’ and shouted: ‘USA, you will pay.’ Abu Muaz, 28, from east London, said: ‘It is only a matter of time before another atrocity – the West is the enemy.’” Read more.

Muslim American Society Official Calls Bin Laden a ‘Visionary’ – “A leader of a major American Muslim organization, the Muslim American Society (MAS), is arguing that there ‘was nothing wrong with’ Osama bin Laden’s dream of creating a renewed Caliphate. Khalilah Sabra’s comments are the most recent and worrisome from the group, which has a long history of defending alleged terrorists.” Read more.

Turkey: Thousands Attend Bin Laden ‘Funeral’, Calling Him a ‘Beautiful, Wise Man, a Warrior for Islam’ – “Thousands participated in a funeral ceremony for assassinated al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Istanbul on Friday, following Muslim burial rites but not including an actual burial… ‘The US, UK and Israel are the murderers of the martyr… The US is the terrorist, bin Laden is the warrior.’” Read more.

4,000 Rally in Pakistan Against America ‘the Worst Enemy of Humanity – “A prominent hard-line group with suspected militant ties has rallied several thousand people in the Pakistani city of Lahore in support of Osama bin Laden and against the US. Police said at least 4,000 people attended the Sunday demonstration. Protesters chanted ‘Down with America’ and carried a banner that said ‘America is the worst enemy of humanity!'” Read more.

By DEAN SCHABNER and KAREN TRAVERS – “Osama bin Laden, hunted as the mastermind behind the worst-ever terrorist attack on U.S. soil, has been killed, President Obama announced tonight.

Bin Laden was killed in a ground attack by Joint Special Operations Command forces working with the CIA on a compound in Pakistan, a national security source told ABC News.

The compound, described by some sources as a mansion, had been monitored for months. When the decision was made to move on it, special operations forces were sent across the border from Afghanistan to launch a ground attack and take the body.

DNA testing confirmed that it was bin Laden, sources told ABC News.”  Read more.