Ashley Fahey
The White House recently decided not to release the photos of bin Laden’s death, despite CIA director Leon Panetta’s statement on May 3 that the U.S. government would eventually release them. Image courtesy of The White House.
Recently, the U.S. government has decided to not release the photos of Osama bin Laden’s death. This decision has caused much controversy and dispute around the globe, leading many to question whether the decision was the correct one.
A recent NBC News poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans agree with the U.S. government’s decision to not release the photos. Twenty-four percent felt the photos should be released.
The primary reasoning behind the U.S. government’s decision to not release the photos of bin Laden’s death was, according to a Republican who has seen the photos, to avoid endangering U.S. forces. Another Republican and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Mike Rogers said the pictures could inflame anti-U.S. sentiments around the world.
“It’s important for us to make sure that very graphic photos of somebody who was shot in the head are not floating around as an incitement to additional violence or as propaganda tools,” said President Barack Obama in an interview with CBS News. “That’s not who we are – we don’t trot this stuff out as trophies.”
Top officials, such as White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, said releasing the photos will create a national security risk.
But conspiracy theorists are not willing to believe the death of Osama bin Laden until hard evidence has proven it to be true. Other individuals, such as a 9/11 widow, wish to see the photos because such proof would be “reassuring.”
On May 2, according to a Pentagon spokesperson, the body of bin Laden was placed in the waters of the North Arabian Sea, following traditional Islamic orders. bin Laden’s body is now buried at sea, making it more difficult to prove his death to skeptical citizens.
“It plays into the hands of those who would like to believe it’s a conspiracy,” said Michael Skube, professor of communications who has taught Media in the Middle East. “The photos are available to certain people, but what’s the point in making them available? It would certainly create more problems because it would be a public document then.”
Elon University students generally felt releasing the photos would be good in proving bin Laden’s death, but wouldn’t be positive for any other reason.
“I don’t think someone’s death should be displayed like that,” said Emily Johnrude, a freshman.
The implications of releasing the photos is important to consider, according to Skube, who said al-Qaeda‘s reaction would be unpredictable and possibly dangerous.
Professor Michael Skube and sophomore Matt Curry discuss their opinions on how the government handled bin Laden’s situation following his death and the possible reaction of al-Qaeda if the photos of his death were released.
“I don’t think they should have released them,” said Matt Curry, a sophomore. “If you release them, it’s like releasing the body. You bring the body back, it can cause a big stir and then al-Qaeda will retaliate or something. It will just cause issues.”
Most Elon students agreed with the U.S. government’s decision to not release the photos, saying the photographic material was too sensitive to be released to the global public.
“I think the decision was a good one,” said Lauren Harbury, a sophomore. “I’m not a huge advocate of having photographic records of somebody’s death.”
Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said releasing the photos would eliminate any doubt of bin Laden’s death and avoid people in developing conspiracy theories. Students agreed with this statement.
“If the pictures were released, it would reduce the suspicions of many people,” said Lauren Townsend, a junior. “But generally, I agree with the U.S. government’s decision not to release them.”
Elon professor Shereen Elgamal discusses the difference between bin Laden’s death and Sadam Hussein’s death. Video courtesy of Madelyn Smith.
Whether the U.S. government’s decision is the most popular one by citizens or not is debatable. But the issue continues to remain a conflict and will not be settled until physical evidence of bin Laden’s death is revealed to the world, proving his death for once and for all.
Ashley Fahey's Reporting Blog 