United States President Barack Obama and former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton – all three associated with pursuing the alleged mastermind of terror attacks on U.S. soil – hailed the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden as justice delivered.
Mr. Obama said that while Americans understood the costs of war, as a country, they would never tolerate their security being threatened, or stand idly by when their people have been killed. “On nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done,” he said.
In a statement Mr. Clinton said, “I congratulate the President, the National Security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al Qaeda attacks.”
He also reportedly said in a statement that Bin Laden’s death was bin Laden's death “a profoundly important moment” for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and other attacks and for “people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and cooperation for our children.”
Mr. Clinton was President in 1993, the year that Bin Laden was linked to the first World Trade Centre bombing. He was also in office in 2000, when Bin Laden allegedly masterminded the bombing of the USS Cole.
Mr. Bush, who was in office during the 9/11 attacks said that “This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.”
He added a strong message to those who would attack the U.S., saying: “The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”
