[matthewcieplak]

I share your feeling in terms of being circumspect about the claims of "justice" and cynical about our leaders' motives. But I have to think it's better that he wasn't taken alive. Can you imagine the media & political circus that would have resulted? And the mock trial we would have had for him? The last thing we need to do is parade him on TV for 3 months and give him worldwide martyrdom. American reactions are bad enough as it is.

Given knowledge of his whereabouts, the prosecution of a terrorist mastermind and financier was the only option, though I suppose whether it would be better to try and execute him or kill him in combat is debatable.