Monday, May 02, 2011

Ben Laden's Death: A Deal for the Future of Afghanistan?

There is no doubt that Osama Ben Laden's death is a great victory for the US and a morale blow for Al Qaeda.

Based on the location of the compound, and its size, it is more than likely that the Pakistani military was sheltering and protecting Ben Laden.

Based on the size and other characteristics of the operation to kill him, it is reasonably clear that the Pakistani military is no longer protecting Ben Laden.

Could Ben Laden have been the prize given to the Obama administration in order to let Pakistan have its way in Afghanistan? Is the death of Ben Laden a prelude to a deal allowing the Pakistani supported Taliban to take back Afghanistan, allowing US troops to return home?

The coming months will be telling.