CIA team searches bin Laden compound

A CIA forensic team entered into Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbotabad on Friday and spent several hours looking for evidence that had been left behind during the May 2 raid that killed the al-Qaida leader, U.S. and Pakistani officials said.

"They did not leave empty-handed," one U.S. official told NBC News.

The unpublicized search took place about the same time that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was in Islamabad meeting with Pakistani officials to express mounting concerns about that country's lack of cooperation on counter-terrorism. 

Access  to the bin Laden compound had been negotiated by CIA Deputy Director Michael M. Morell during a trip to Pakistan last week. The agreement was cited by one Pakistani official as a sign that, at senior levels, both sides are working hard to move past their differences.   

The CIA team arrived by helicopter about noon in Pakistan and was accompanied by Pakistani ISI officers as they looked for any remaining evidence at the compound, the officials said. In particular, CIA officials were looking for vaults or other items that might be hidden behind walls or inside floors, as well as any possible tunnels that could allow visitors to leave and enter undetected. The search ended about 6 p.m. and the helicopter flew the CIA team from the compound.

U.S. officials are not overly optimistic that the search will produce major pieces of evidence. Since the May 2 raid, the compound has been under the control of the Pakistani military and the assumption is local authorities would have already searched through and removed any important items that the Navy SEALs had left behind. "The odds are that a lot of good stuff might be left are pretty low," said a U.S. official.

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There will be nothing left at that compound as the ISI has already taken everything of importance! Waste of Time!

  • 16 votes
Reply#1 - Fri May 27, 2011 3:59 PM EDT

It's super unlikely that anything good is there, but it can't hurt to make double sure, can it? It would be downright embarrassing if we didn't do the search and it turns out something was there.

  • 8 votes
#1.1 - Fri May 27, 2011 6:03 PM EDT

They should ask for the helicopter parts they left behind. Would be interesting to see how that would go down. "Helicopter parts...?"

  • 1 vote
#1.2 - Fri May 27, 2011 10:37 PM EDT
  • 2 votes
#1.3 - Fri May 27, 2011 11:23 PM EDT

Thanks, John S. glad to hear that. I remembered the videos of the Pakistanis driving off with part of it hanging out of the back of a truck the day after the raid and wondered if they would give it back.

  • 1 vote
#1.4 - Fri May 27, 2011 11:33 PM EDT

Too bad he was buried at sea. I would have been nice to go back in there and fire another warning shot into his head.

  • 6 votes
#1.5 - Sat May 28, 2011 1:08 AM EDT

This is a sheer useless drama to show that Pakis are cooperating. Not a cent of our tax monies to Pakis, our enemies.

  • 3 votes
#1.6 - Sat May 28, 2011 5:05 AM EDT

ISI most certainly secured every bit of evidence linking them with hiding the criminal, and further information on the where-abouts of any other "ISI-supported" al Qaida / Taliban murderers. Cut aid to this begger nation; they don't appreciate it, or deserve it!

  • 3 votes
#1.7 - Sat May 28, 2011 8:24 AM EDT

Tripod: Too bad he was buried at sea. I(t) would have been nice to go back in there and fire another warning shot into his head. LOL!

Seems like many in the Islamic community complained how we buried him. Actually, we should've dumped his carcass into a latrine can, doused it with diesel fuel, and torched him like the crap he was.

  • 6 votes
#1.8 - Sat May 28, 2011 8:29 AM EDT

nope---fed him to pigs. Or dogs. But in a way I'm glad we took the high road, buried him with a modicum of dignity, and didn't heap disgrace on his extended family, many of whom avoided him like the plague. But I like JK's idea too.

  • 1 vote
#1.9 - Sat May 28, 2011 12:00 PM EDT

@Jonathan-1982062 - I seriously hope that you realize there are more than "friend" and "enemy" don't you?

Oh wait, probably not - if you took an example off of the last President... Dubya, AKA Howdy Doody.

If you can only see black and white versus shades of grey you truly need to wake up.

  • 1 vote
#1.10 - Sat May 28, 2011 12:08 PM EDT

chouse - Please show any differences besides W. and Obama. It looks like the only difference is Obama spends more money.

    #1.11 - Sat May 28, 2011 5:34 PM EDT
    Reply

    Obviously, as Pakistan claims to be a staunch U.S. ally, if it found anything else left behind, it would have immediately notified the U.S. and for a very large fee, given the U.S. access? So, the U.S. must have employed more sophisticated technology or techniques than the Pakistanis, in order to justify another look-see?

    Also, had Pakistan participated in the original Osama bin Laden raid, Osama would assuredly have still been there, when the raiders were ready to raid?

    (c) 2011

    • 1 vote
    Reply#2 - Fri May 27, 2011 4:38 PM EDT

    I heard they found the following

    2 dozen IDC's (Intentionally Defective Condoms, used when men want to have a multitude of children)

    5 cases of Clairol Black hair color

    A jar full of OBL's finger nails, to avoid voodoo

    A box of love notes from Khalid Sheik Mohammad, return address in Cuba

    A warning note from Abu Ahmad al Kuwaiti, saying "Don't answer the door"

    A pair of explosive underwear, with a note "Don't open until XMas"

    A DVD colection of the last season of 2 1/2 Men

    • 8 votes
    Reply#3 - Fri May 27, 2011 4:49 PM EDT

    Nice. Good laugh for the day.

    • 3 votes
    #3.1 - Fri May 27, 2011 8:22 PM EDT

    And photos of batches of 72 virgins in heaven after becoming a martyr!

    • 1 vote
    #3.2 - Sat May 28, 2011 6:43 AM EDT

    And photos of batches of 72 virgins in heaven after becoming a martyr!

    No. They found videos of 72 virgins, invoking Rule 34 (check Wikipedia)

    • 1 vote
    #3.3 - Sat May 28, 2011 12:04 PM EDT

    72 virgin goats...fresh outta human, female virgins. Been that way since 2005..

    • 1 vote
    #3.4 - Sun May 29, 2011 1:56 PM EDT
    Reply

    We are so stupid! We allow our leaders to give these creeps our money. Pakistan is not our ally!

    • 10 votes
    Reply#4 - Fri May 27, 2011 5:12 PM EDT

    Instead, Pakistan is an enemy, which has been double talking, double dealing and backstabbing in Afghanistan and exporting Islamic terrorist to our nation and other allies.

    • 1 vote
    #4.1 - Sat May 28, 2011 6:45 AM EDT

    well as usual, we gave them technology (nukes, planes, tanks, weapons) which can and will be used against us if we cross them. Smart move. Yes, let's help a hostile Muslim country and leave the people in Cuba to starve because our presidents from 40-50 years ago didn't like Castro's politics....and they are our neighbors.

      #4.2 - Sat May 28, 2011 12:03 PM EDT
      Reply

      Yeah, it's too bad so much time has gone by since the initial raid. I don't see anything being left behind of importance because ISI has had control of the compound for a whole month now. Like they would have just locked it up and left it alone...

      Hopefully we get more info from at least something, or the intel we already gathered. It feels almost empty that we haven't heard of more from the first gather, but then I think 'why would the US government tell us the REALLY important stuff if it would infract on future raids elsewhere?'.

      At least we got the man though, I don't care how it was done, just glad it was done.

      • 3 votes
      Reply#5 - Fri May 27, 2011 6:18 PM EDT

      How pitiful this is. The only believers in this crap are the ones who still believe Saddam Hussein had a nuclear power plant and plants developing WMD. Special Forces couldn't take an old man alive. One body guard and some young women. No weapon just porn flix's if that's even true. The Pentagon couldn't be happier now they can watch porn flix's without guilt as they were already doing. Right up their alley. If ya want more of this same old Bu@!$%# keep voting for Democrats and Republicans. For me anything is better than the status -quo. We are becoming a Hitler nation under the incompetence of the two parties. I am freeing myself of them in 2012. Hope you like the new leadership and new foreign policy. RM1 John Lopez and proud of it.

      No president is above facing the law. Pardons only come from "WE THE PEOPLE" ..... SUCK ON IT GERALD FORD.

      • 1 vote
      Reply#6 - Fri May 27, 2011 7:43 PM EDT

      I would love to give you a "going away" present. It would really amaze you when you open it on Hugo's beach. The day you leave, America's IQ goes up at least five points.

      • 6 votes
      #6.1 - Fri May 27, 2011 8:04 PM EDT

      @John Lopez if you’re not happy here with the united states than you should move to a country that your happy with or get citizenship with a country who feels the way you do... the way I was raised even if you have something bad to say about anyone or anything.... you should also have at least something good or positive to say or at least give credit where credit is due.... even if we didn't have an Democrat nor a Republican in Office I don't think you would even be Happy or satisfied with anyone in office... but everyone has a right to speak their mind...Have A Good One!

      • 6 votes
      #6.2 - Sat May 28, 2011 12:20 AM EDT

      That made no sense at all

      • 3 votes
      #6.3 - Sat May 28, 2011 12:22 AM EDT

      "Real Talk", I only disagree with one point you made. You said "everyone has a right to speak their mind". In "John Lopez'" case, first he would actually have to have a mind... only then would he be able to speak it.

      John Lopez, your first sentence very well sums up your entire post: How pitiful this (your post obviously) is.

      • 2 votes
      #6.4 - Sat May 28, 2011 2:02 AM EDT

      More evidence that saving money by shorting your meds is a bad idea.

      • 3 votes
      #6.5 - Sat May 28, 2011 9:38 AM EDT

      If your so unhappy about the way this country is being run trying doing voluntier work, you have no clue what so ever what this country is about. i served 20 years in the navy this right now is vietnam revisited.

      • 2 votes
      #6.6 - Sun May 29, 2011 1:30 PM EDT
      Reply

      Pakistan has cleared up anything that would show that they knew he was there, and if we dont believe that, we are really stupid. They knew he was there and it is a slap in our face that they were protecting them, especially while taking money from the US.

      • 4 votes
      Reply#7 - Fri May 27, 2011 9:39 PM EDT

      The arrogance in Americans is visible in all spheres, and life of an American citizens is precious than the blood of hundreds of non Americans. They have got the license to invade or kill and no country/UN has the right to check them. Hitler took his nation on similar path, used propaganda effectively and made his people believe that they are superior to others. In that phobia, the world suffered but Germans met with humiliating defeat. History always repeats itself but unfortunately what we learn from history is that we never learn from history.

      After 9/11, USA went on killing spree on the pretext of saving Americans from terrorist’s attacks. The targets are unfortunately Muslims countries and with no mercy, air raids, drone attacks and ground attacks are continuing. The so called champions of human rights are spilling the blood of innocent people including women and children around the world. They have a propaganda tool in their hand that they are killing the terrorists, but what about the collateral damage. It’s amazing that the West, India and Israel are dovetailing with American policies. USA and west never took notice of heinous crimes and killing of innocent Palestinians and Kashmiris. Even on 15th May dozens of stone throwing protestors were killed in Palestine and daily people are being gun down in occupied Kashmir.

      Now a game plan to defame Pakistan is being unfolded by our so called most trusted friend and strategic partner USA. As per a British Newspaper, Obama has approved a plan where by American troops will land to nuclear sites, if USA feels that there is a danger to these weapons from terrorists. Although Mr. Kerry has denied this report and said that he is ready to write with his blood that Americans are not after Pakistan’s nukes. But the big question is, can we trust the Americans. Mr. Powel lied in front of the whole world and cheated the UN by showing fake evidence and documents that Iraq was having weapons of Mass Destruction. Similarly, our most important ally took lead from ISI but CIA kept ISI in darkens regarding information sharing against Osama and let us down. Civilian nuclear deal has been struck with Indians, although she is not a signatory of Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Pressler amendments were imposed on Pakistan and we also witnessed the drama of 7th Fleet which never reached because Indians were given the free hand in former East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh). The bitter memories of the past have been further compounded due to Abbottabad Operation. Targeting nuclear assets doesn’t mean to destroy it, it means to create the situation, make the world believe that these weapons are not safe and can fall in to the hands of terrorists. Soviet Union had these weapons but economically they were destabilized and results of their choice were achieved by Americans.

      As per Daily Telegraph the initial intelligence about Osama was given by Pakistan but USA intentionally kept Pakistan away from this operation because they wanted to take the credit for themselves to raise the sagging popularity of Obama government. Like weapons of Mass Destruction bluff, they blamed that Pakistan was hiding Osama which is absurd. Pakistan lost more than 40,000 people, killed and captured hundreds of Al-Qaida members, including Khalid Shiekh. Thousand of terrorist’s attacks took place and Pakistan is economically almost collapsed but the blame game is still on. I agree that some security lapses did occur but blaming and humiliating the whole nation is not correct. Its amazing that after 9/11 and 7/7 no terrorist attack took place in America or West but the war is continuing and Pakistanis, the major sufferer are being declared as accused. The peanut aid is far less than our losses. It’s not aid but some repayment of our expenses on War on Terror. By passing or cheating each other is disastrous, Pakistan is a responsible state and it must be treated as a true partner and not as a subservient country. Dictation, pressure tactics and allegations will further complicate the issue. The root causes of terrorism should be addressed and CIA agents like Raymond Davis should not have the license to kill. Drone attacks must be stopped and these be given to Pakistan. The dangerous game of violating the sovereignty of any country should end forthwith. The world must ensure that USA doesn’t make the UN hostage because of money.

      The recent visit of US special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Grossman is seems to be a damage control exercise but Pakistanis who were already apprehensive with the US intentions are not prepared to become part of their double game. Grossman has again talked about the billions of dollars aid being given to Pakistan. The citizens of Pakistan are now questioning that is it the money which matters. Can these peanut dollars bring back more than forty thousand martyrs, can it heals the wounds of millions, can it restore our economy which suffered after 9/11, can the devastated bomb blasts and killing be stopped and peace is brought back to Pakistan? The answer is negative, then USA should stop threatening and humiliating Pakistan. USA and West are fighting war on our soil. We are being killed by the terrorists and even own allies but do more mantra continues.

      Pakistan needs to come out from the talking mode and prepare a Road Map to be followed by the government. The institutions, especially parliament must play its role. Looting and plundering the national exchequer should be finished. We have all the resources but not the will to use them. Instead of getting distinction in the roll of corrupt countries, we need to work, work and work for the progress of Pakistan, only then we can earn the respect, sovereignty and true independency. Secret deals must end and by defaming own security agencies, we are strengthening our enemies. We must think ten times before we speak or take action. Individuals could go wrong but not the institution. If we strengthened the institutions, respect the law and be honest to ourselves then we can rise and shine Insha Allah.

      USA must remember that if double standards, carrot and stick policies are not changed and Pakistan is intentionally defamed or pushed against the wall then the results could be disastrous. The situation in Iraq and Afghanistan is already bad and now homing on to Pakistan would be a strategic blunder. USA and West should rehash their policies and do take measures to make their countries safe from terrorists but not on the cost of Pakistanies. If we are friends then friendship should remain in all weather like our friend China.

        Reply#8 - Fri May 27, 2011 10:08 PM EDT

        tl;dr

          #8.1 - Sat May 28, 2011 12:23 AM EDT

          So Khan should Afghans not have been held responsible for supporting those who attacked America? You instead would have had us do what? Live and let live? That's a joke. If moderate Muslims had been doing their job in the world then none of them would've had to die at the hands of America. Where are the Muslims complaining that Al Queda is a perversion of their religion? Where were the leaders of Pakistan before 9/11 trying to take care of those forces housing themselves in Northern Pakistan? Why have I never heard of Muslims who think that the attacks on America and Europe are against their religion and against god? Oh that's right...you're either all cowards (which I doubt) or you agree with it. So what would you like us to do with that?

          • 4 votes
          #8.2 - Sat May 28, 2011 1:40 AM EDT

          Whoa. Afghanistan didn't "support" the Taleban. They were governed (oppressively), if you can call it that, by them. After the Soviet withdrawl from Afghanistan, in spite of the US having promised aid, post-occupation, to rebuild Afghanistan, there was instead a great washing of hands and a great gift of weapons to... the Taleban. From... the United States of America.

          The US couldn't hand over Afghanistan fast enough (along with pretty substantial foreign aid) as long as the Taleban (who were known, btw, to be off-your-rocker-crazy religious nuts) would absolve us of cleaning up the mess we left behind "fighting against communism." In fact, as they devastated what was left of Afghanistan's rich cultural history (100+ ft. tall Buddhist statues, etc.) and in spite of the rest of the world's urging to resolve to intervene, the Congressional bodies of the United States turned a blind eye, all the while continuing to visit with the Taleban, Shaking hands, taking along housewarming gifts like futball stadiums and guns... we need that oil. There are plenty who will disagree with what I've said here, but facts are stubborn things. They won't go away because you'd like to believe something else.

          Furthermore, it was as a result of the US's reneg on their promises to Afghanistan that radicalized OBL.

            #8.3 - Sat May 28, 2011 9:50 AM EDT

            To: Ali Khan-3394979

            First, let me say that you will not reach Americans with comments longer than one or two short sentences. Americans can only handle sound bites as that is all that they are accustomed to hearing/reading. Their responses are, typically, insulting and denigrating because they think that they are the only ones on the planet that matter. You may have observed Cpt. Porkchop's "tl;dr" reply which can be written as "tldr" or "TLDR" and means "too long, didn't read." So you see, he (in addition to John S-400329 and Doug-950479 in your second comment) were too lazy to try to understand your point of view. (I wasn't familiar with this abbreviation and had to look it up.) I am pretty confident that you will be the only person who will read my reply to your post as my reply is more than a sound bite. And should a miracle happen and an American read my reply, I will be smeared because I do not conform to rants of ignorant blowhards but, instead, research and study to try to learn why situations are the way they are. How did we, Americans and other nationals, get to where we are?

            I read, with interest, your comments and sum them up as a plea for mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation. I appreciate your sincerity. I wish that I, or better yet the American government, could give these three conditions to you and all Pakistanis--without reservation. However based on the actions/in-actions, real or perceived, by ISI, the Pakistani government, and Pakistani people in general, I do not think we (Americans) can. I understand the Pakistani people's irritation with American drone attacks but, we feel that they are necessary because the ISI and/or the Pakistani government will not, perhaps refuse to, apprehend terrorists. If our intelligence group can find terrorists in your country from great distances, surely the ISI which covers, and in some cases controls, the countryside at close quarters can too. This level of distrust which has emerged between us, justified on both sides, will be difficult to tamp down. Both Pakistan and the U.S. must work hard together to bridge this distrust.

            I have written more. Much, much more but, will cut my reply off at this point. Let me leave you with the acknowledgement that if the United States has demonstrated some errors in judgment, so has Pakistan. If we are, both, committed to removing the terrorist threat facing both of us (and the rest of the world for that matter), we accomplish nothing by "beating up" one another nor by being uncooperative.

            • 1 vote
            #8.4 - Sat May 28, 2011 11:35 AM EDT

            Abdul Haq; courteous and respectful comments deserve replies, as does yours. But I think Mr Ali Khan should consider that when the chips are down (pardon the vernacular) who jumps in and helps first? Who was at the Tsunami in (mostly Muslim) Thailand? Was Iraq there? Was Iran there? Was Saudi Arabia there? I don't know if they were or not. I remember Great Britain, The USA, Mexico, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, and China there. We have been supporting Pakistan for many many years, both militarily and financially---many Americans were just very surprised and disappointed to discover that Pakistan was apparently hiding and protecting Mr. Bin Laden the whole time. Every time we tried to move over their borders in covert operations so as not to disturb the populace (but still get our job done) we were interfered with-- Pakistan jumped in with a "no, no, don't bother,we'll do it!" attitude, and now we know why. I am not blaming the people but I am blaming the Pakistani government.

            Mr. Ali Khan, watch your mouth. Don't threaten us. You probably eat food we paid for every single day and your children probably go to a school that we built and support. Show some gratitude.

            • 2 votes
            #8.5 - Sat May 28, 2011 12:14 PM EDT

            I am disgusted by the quotes of Abdul Haq and Ali Khan. Unlike most of the people in your country, your English is quite impressive. I'm thinking that you were born and raised in the US or studied here at some point. So go HOME! Go back to your "home" and people where they are grieving the deaths of Saddam and Osama. Go back to no electricity, poisoned foods, ignorance, and poverty!

            I have been overseas, and I'm quite disgusted by the soldiers that make-up the Iraq/Afghanistan Armies. These are not men...much like yourself. I could care less about the countless lives lost through war. I'm more concerned about the USA Soldiers who have lost their lives fighting an enemy who will utilize women and children to get their points across. To the two of you, step in front of the next American convoy, and voice these words, these disgusting opinions!. Better yet, let me be the one driving the MRAP. Hold a bookbag so my gunner can GLADLY shoot you down! Bring the rest of your family with you so we can start genetic cleansing!

            Go to hell, take your supporters with you, and enjoy your virgins! Unlike most Americans, I wasted precious time reading your ignorance! Better yet, do like most of the ignorant men in Muslim countries, bend over...

            • 4 votes
            #8.6 - Sun May 29, 2011 10:30 AM EDT

            Get over yourself Ali. You can't change anything and there isnt anything any one can or will do about that and thats for sure.

            Have a nice day

            • 1 vote
            #8.7 - Sat Jun 4, 2011 12:52 PM EDT
            Reply

            The May 2, 2011 has become yet another ‘sign post’ in our national history, which will be most probably referred to in different contexts in the years to come. While this event has rightly been condemned and castigated, both in print and electronic media, for wanton breach of our national sovereignty by a so called ally, besides repeated betrayals, humiliating indifference and insensitivity to the feelings of Pakistani public; I intend drawing the attention of our intellectuals and media persons towards a few most significant positive developments in post 5/2 geopolitical environment in this region, where we live in. These are not less important developments that they should receive least or scanty coverage in the media or reflections of our intellectuals. First in this regard is the display of a unique national unity in Pakistan against a hostile act, carried out against all canons of international law and diplomatic ethics.

            By the way, ethics are something that our friends are really touchy about. They say, ‘ethics is the defence of weak’. The good thing about our ally in GWOT is that they think, they can easily befool the entire world, but let us then accept, they are right to a large extent, because the world as a whole is ready to be befooled. After all, it is a matter of only a few years ago that CIA detected huge quantity of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in Iraq, which could destroy the entire civilized world. On this pretext, a war was launched, in which hundreds of thousands of innocent people were butchered. But the world has yet to witness those dangerous weapons. The brazenness for the entire humanity is that not even a word of remorse came from those who annihilated these innocent children of Adam and Eve. It is again the dilemma of ethics that they kill innocent people in FATA, day in and day out, using drones and presumptuously brazen out by saying, “We don’t keep the accounts of killings in Afghanistanand FATA.” For hunting a single so called terrorist, they kill dozens of innocents, but their ethical stand point is ‘if it serves well do it.” May I ask, our honourable allies, and indeed you need no enemy in the presence of those friends, what type of friendship it is? You have thrown us in the fire of war for last 32 years (since 1979). First against USSR, in your cold war, the net profit of that war was the menace of extremism, militancy and terrorism that our nation is passing through and the second war now for last more than one decade against suicide bombers, against which the world has yet to find any defence instrument. These are the same elements which you abandoned after Soviet withdrawal, when they needed you the most. Where from Osama and al-Qaeda came, we are still at loss to understand. Your CIA, with enormous resources and ubiquity in the entire world, couldn’t find them in Sudan and other parts of the world. How could ISI trace Osama, with negligible resources? We still don’t know, how many Raymonds you have sent to play havoc with our lives and properties? Your friendship is even dangerous than your enmity. Now, once again there is a deluge of Wiki leaks, this time against military leadership and those political parties who took national stand about Abbottabad incident. We don’t know exactly what is next in the pipe line

            But the unity of the nation after Abbottabad incident is something which the nation should be proud of and rejoice about. All segments and strata of the society manifested a true national spirit, setting aside personal differences and party interests, for which they all deserve kudos. The resolution passed in the joint session of Parliament reflects collective wisdom and determination of the nation to defeat any attempt, which may aim at harming the ideological and geographical integrity of Pakistan. The second positive development is that the military leadership showed exemplary wisdom, by taking back seat and letting the political leadership to charter the course of future journey. It will go a long way in strengthening the democratic institutions and improving the civilian-military leadership. Whenever, Armed Forces confine their role to pure professional security issues and allow politicians to play their part, not only does the stature of Armed Forces rise in the eyes of public but also it brings stability to our country as whole. This is a lesson which present leadership of Armed Forces seems to have imbibed well and it needs to be reciprocated by the political leadership as well, by extending their support in present war against terrorism and the respect which the people in uniform deserve.

            I will be a remiss, if I don’t mention extremely positive initiatives of President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani. Their visits to Russia and China, at a critical juncture, are of immense importance. It is time that our policy makers should re-visit American-centric policies and explore other venues. Why not to look towards a time tested, all weather friend, China. In post 9/11 scenario, our Government acted in haste and did not consult China in time, a mistake which should not be repeated in future. Similarly, the efforts to re-shape relations with Russia are extremely positive. We don’t have any dispute to resolve with Russia, except the irritants of cold war politics, which should not be difficult to overcome. We may also renew our efforts to enter into a serious dialogue with India, perhaps little deeper on philosophical and psychological basis than diplomacy, to persuade them that destiny has shaped our neighborhood, a reality that neither of us can deny. It will be in the interest of this region, if you purge your society of Hindu extremists, as you expect us to do with extremists here. You were successful in 1971 to help disintegrate Pakistan and create a new state of Bangladesh, but not a Hindu state. You can’t subjugate 500 million Muslims of Sub-Continent. Then, why not to adopt a policy of live and let live, in order to convert South Asia into the region of prosperity, instead of deprivation? For the Muslim World, the message from Pakistani nation in the backdrop of 5/2 should be, with due apology to Karl Marx for alteration of his famous phrase ‘Workers of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but chains, “The Muslims of the World unite, you have nothing to lose but Disgrace.”

            Pakistan has a great power potential. It is a resilient nation, which has shown its resilience more often than not. It is a nation of more than 180 million people, comprising above 50% young population of 30 and below. It is not a barren geographical mass, but a country with fertile lands, untapped natural resources, including large tracts of yet to be exploited land in Baluchistan, Sind and even Punjab. We do have enough, albeit, mismanaged water resources. We have well trained and extremely motivated Armed Forces, augmented by hard earned nuclear assets and a reasonable defence production industry. The only aspect that we should accept to be a failure is our governance and management. We need not only to manage our resources well, including human resource capital, but also develop them at a faster pace. Here lies the answer to root out the scourge of extremism and terrorism from the society, by introducing a uniform system of education, in which Madarass should also be gradually integrated, and by bringing about change and improvement in the quality of life for the citizens of Pakistan. This is the script that our intellectuals and media persons should pick up for their able reflections and talk shows.

            The 2nd May incident has provided us with an opportunity to do an all round realistic introspection vis-à-vis plugging the lo

              Reply#9 - Fri May 27, 2011 10:24 PM EDT

              Too long, didn't read....

              I have a feeling your post is full of fail though.

              • 6 votes
              #9.1 - Fri May 27, 2011 11:24 PM EDT

              It was too long, it didn't finish.. you could just say you're sorry that you didn't notice Osama was living there, and that you didn't get hold of him yourselves some years ago..

              • 3 votes
              #9.2 - Fri May 27, 2011 11:31 PM EDT

              Khan, just one question...Do you think if Osama was hiding in a town in America where retired military went after their service that it would've taken us 4 years to find him? I doubt it highly. Your government was either incompetent or collusive. Which would you rather us assume?

              • 8 votes
              #9.3 - Sat May 28, 2011 1:35 AM EDT

              We are the United States and we run things. Once you get that straight you'll be a lot better off. Mess with us, no more you.

              • 2 votes
              #9.4 - Sat May 28, 2011 1:43 AM EDT

              I hope you guys who replied to that are really, incredibly good looking, cause otherwise I can't see how you'd get by.

              "Duh, WE know the TRUTH 'cause we seent it on the TV... If you don't like it get the f'k out."

              • 1 vote
              #9.5 - Sat May 28, 2011 10:09 AM EDT

              PS- If that comment was "too long," how did you ever make it through the article... lol.

                #9.6 - Sat May 28, 2011 10:10 AM EDT

                Yeah, the massive apologetic text blocks are a waste of time, and, in classic fashion, speak much while saying little.

                Basedrum777 cuts right to the heart of the matter, and the reason there is friction between our countries.

                "Your government was either incompetent or collusive. Which would you have us assume?"

                Well?

                • 3 votes
                #9.7 - Sat May 28, 2011 12:19 PM EDT

                incredibly good looking,

                And I'm hung like a horse too

                  #9.8 - Sat May 28, 2011 5:29 PM EDT
                  Reply

                  Maybe they got the infamous armoire and could sell it on Ebay to help cover expenses.

                    Reply#10 - Fri May 27, 2011 10:30 PM EDT

                    You are a total  f  u  c  k  i  n  g   a  s  s  h  o  l  e  . Now go back to your local militia meeting!

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#11 - Fri May 27, 2011 11:30 PM EDT

                    To whom are you referring?!

                      #11.1 - Sat May 28, 2011 8:16 AM EDT
                      Reply

                      Pakistan... dirtbag nation.

                      • 2 votes
                      Reply#12 - Fri May 27, 2011 11:45 PM EDT

                      Well if ISI couldn't find Osama for 5 years maybe they missed some intel from the building too...

                      • 1 vote
                      Reply#13 - Sat May 28, 2011 1:31 AM EDT

                      That building has been gone over by agents from China and possible Russia, and if there is anything left, it was intentionally left.

                        Reply#14 - Sat May 28, 2011 4:46 AM EDT

                        Pakistan is a great friend to the USA---they have bent over backwards to help us ----end of story

                          Reply#15 - Sat May 28, 2011 5:00 AM EDT

                          BS......

                            #15.1 - Sat May 28, 2011 1:13 PM EDT
                            Reply

                            pakistan is a good ally. if the navy seals had told them they had helicopter problems, pakistan would have fixed them. there was no need to blow up the helicopter. the navy seals wanted full credit for the raid, so that didn't tell their close ally pakistan that bin laden was depressed and needed to be entertained. long term depression kills and we are really sorry about the accident to their guest.

                            • 1 vote
                            Reply#16 - Sat May 28, 2011 7:22 AM EDT

                            It is worth noting that the overwhelming majority of the military aid they receive from the U.S. is tied  directly to the purchase of weapons from U.S. companies - otherwise they don't get the money.  The same is true for military aid to other countries.

                            • 1 vote
                            Reply#17 - Sat May 28, 2011 8:11 AM EDT

                            I hope they did a DNA sweep of the joint, and not a DNA wipe down. The DNA Tags alone would be a gold mine of data of Who has been there and Who has not. Interesting no one is talking about that. Being a geneticist I can tell you if you want to know their little secrets... Do a DNA sweep of the place. But the way it sounds, like the place has be sterilised.

                              Reply#18 - Sat May 28, 2011 9:52 AM EDT

                              Well they just needed to scratch their names out of his address book.

                                Reply#19 - Sat May 28, 2011 10:40 AM EDT
                                VugVeeDeleted

                                Could even be a CIA cleanup operation to cover their tracks...

                                  Reply#21 - Sat May 28, 2011 1:59 PM EDT

                                  A month late and a billion short, this was a sad attempt to prove Pakistan would even let us back in. I guess its time to send the welfare again.

                                  Americans could do with a few solar panel factories so we could put one in the utility bills and maybe create a few jobs. Got a few billion left for America?

                                  And as an aside, who the hell knows what class clown might be behind the spew miniseries.

                                    Reply#22 - Sat May 28, 2011 8:19 PM EDT

                                    Seal team 6 (six) couldn't take an unarmed man alive....now they have to go back like the Keystone Cops....looking for evidence....after killing the key player...with a wealth of knowledge, the Porn flixs must have been cleansed lolthe Pentagon needs new hardcore to watch at work. Osama must have been too good to water-board....or maybe water-boarding doesn't work after all ... and is really torture in the legal books. On top of all this they don't even let the President of the United States see the body before dumping it at sea. Do you think I can believe anything this government says after Kennedy, after the gulf of tonkin, after the Pueblo, and I can go on and on. The president of the United States relies on video alone what a waste of time in the oval office when the american people need proof and trust. Trust with out truth is a blind man walking without training. With Saddam we had video of him at trail....other than that I would have alleged that capture to be bu@!$%#. The Iraq war was a side show and only happened because because he insulted DADDY BU@!$%#...AND BABY BU@!$%# didn't like to see his poor daddy cry. It wouldn't take long to fly Obama to an aircraft carrier to do a viewing....to reassure that the facts are true. He is not dead in my eyes and he is not dead in his believers eyes. I will not re-vote for incompetence like that. On top of all this they preform a religious ceremony for him ... cleanse his body and bury him at sea. How insulting and disrespectful to the nation and the sailors who serve. Burial at sea is for valiant sailors of all Nations... not to hide BU@!$%#. Now people can say Any further tidalwaves to be the wrath of Osama ...and they are coming. To those who have lost their homes by the power of nature and say it looks like war .... think about the bombs you dropped and the shepard boys and children you killed with your cluster bombs ....so be it unto you....you gonna go bomb the heavens now??? ... oh one last thing for those who volunteer to go to war PTSD is not an excuse. Those who are drafted PTSD can be real. World war I and II vets line up.... you deserve the best. Unesesary inoculations (anthrax, smallpox) lets see what your babys suffer from because bush lied to the nation. You deserve the best!? Vote outside the box and you will really taste feedom.

                                    RM1 JOHN LOPEZ and proud of it.

                                      Reply#23 - Sun May 29, 2011 1:11 AM EDT

                                      Bravo Mister Lopez, you summed up the matter eloquently. Obama recedes from all matters of fact. America is left with weak and often obviously strategized innuendo. Private talks with families of 9/11 victims and Firefighters? He knew the ritual would bring him shame and denied the world of the facts. The press was obviously told to speak of nothing that would bring shame to Obama too. The entire fake death pic was a sham because the photo could have been put on the White House web site and the fake would have been instantly forgotten. There are dozens of other points too.

                                      Where do we go to renounce the OBAMA injustices to Americans???????

                                      • 2 votes
                                      #23.1 - Sun May 29, 2011 3:26 PM EDT
                                      Reply

                                      In the end does it all realllllly matter in light of eternity? Debate all day long it want change any of the crap! It is all part of a much larger picture that people forget to look at. Bad days are coming and it is time to get prepared for them :(

                                        Reply#24 - Sun May 29, 2011 4:02 AM EDT

                                        How about not deciding that Obama is a teflon president and demand impeachment!!!!!!!!! Corner the man on the long form deception for a START!

                                        • 2 votes
                                        #24.1 - Sun May 29, 2011 3:28 PM EDT
                                        Reply

                                        Pakistan=State sponsor of terror. That pretty much sums it up, but its way more complicated than that. They use our $$ to build nuclear weapons. India can't be so happy about that. This place is one bad incident away from something you cannot undo. Once they are in the air, thers no calling them back.

                                          Reply#25 - Sun May 29, 2011 2:03 PM EDT

                                          And Obama promised to pull our soldiers out in 16 months too. I dread the news of more planes full of dead and injured children.

                                            #25.1 - Sun May 29, 2011 3:30 PM EDT
                                            Reply

                                            We all know by the last quote. They dont believe anything the Palistinians have to say and the CIA doesnt trust them at ALL! Who would, their whole government is curroupt and unreliable. POS, all of them. Oh no we had no idea Bin Laden was hiding at this multi million dollar compound with high walls and near an academy. Come on really how many eye witnesses have been payed off? Bin Laden is dead now so in your faces. The CIA went behind your dumb Palistenian a$$es and killed Bin Laden. I mean what can you really do against a major super power like America. If we werent in a depression right now we would propably be telling everyone else what to do and pretty much "flex" our muscle at anything.

                                              Reply#26 - Fri Jun 3, 2011 5:00 AM EDT

                                              Brian you are a moron - there' a big difference between the Pakistanis and the Palestinians. Before you choose to join in discussion on boards like this, you ought to learn the difference!

                                              • 1 vote
                                              #26.1 - Fri Jun 3, 2011 8:31 AM EDT
                                              Reply
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