Consequences.

The killing of Osama bin Laden by American forces clearly carries with it significant symbolism, but will it make the world a safer place?  I fear not - indeed in the short term, probably the reverse.  So the question has to be asked - was it sensible, was it necessary, was it justified?  To judge by their reactions, the majority of Americans would unhesitatingly say "yes" - I'm not so sure about the rest of us (but then, when has the US ever given two hoots about the rest of us?).  The main fall-out I feel will be the effect on US-Pakistani relations, which may well have been dealt a near-fatal blow.