We got Osama Bin Laden in spite of President Obama.<br />
<br />
Several months ago, I wrote a Blog on the benefits of waterboarding. I was personally criticized for my views. Some thought they were unreasonable and unwarranted.<br />
<br />
Well, well, I hate to say (not really) I told you so! It is official: waterboarding terrorist captives produced the intelligence that lead to the killing of Osama Bin Laden.<br />
<br />
Here is what must be remembered. When the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, was taken into custody in March of 2003 he was extremely defiant and refused to answer any questions. However, instead of being taken to America and given a lawyer, he found himself in a secret CIA "black site" in an undisclosed location. <br />
<br />
It became clear he was not going to reveal any information with the use of traditional interrogation techniques. So he underwent a series of "enhanced interrogation techniques" approved for use only on the most high-value detainees.<br />
<br />
The techniques included waterboarding. <br />
<br />
Because of these "enhanced interrogation techniques" Khalid Sheikh Mohammed became cooperative. The information he reveals about active Al Qaeda plots against USA interest and citizens was phenomenal. <br />
<br />
The bottom line - because of waterboarding thousands of American lives have been saved and Osama Bin Laden is dead! <br />
<br />
To any who think that this was a President Obama act of courage or wisdom need only to remember January 22nd, 2009. On this date, President Obama issued Executive Order 13491, closing the CIA program and directing that, henceforth, all interrogations by U.S personnel must follow the techniques contained in the Army Field Manual. In other words, the "enhanced interrogations techniques" program that a few years before saved thousand of lives is no longer allowed by Executive Order. The CIA protested. The President went ahead anyway, overruling the objections of the agency. <br />
<br />
So we got Osama Bin Laden in spite of President Obama. Waterboarding is the right thing to do to our enemies. I hope President Obama understands it, he certainly has benefited from it!<br />
<br />
Oh and by the way, President Obama, Pakistan is not our friend! Their interest is not America's interest!<br />
<br />
Please don't make me say "I told you so" again.<br />
<br />
<i>Dr. Tom Smiley, is Senior of Pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church, Gainesville, Georgia. The 2400 member congregation is a vibrant Christian fellowship locally and globally. Dr. Smiley's is the founder of "Life with Smiles Ministry". His messages are broadcast on WDUN 550 and his"Blog" entries and thoughts on God, Faith, Current Events, and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/ His Books, "Runaway Lives: overcoming emotional undercurrents", "Angels all Around", and "Uncommon Common Sense" can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website. Contact Dr. Smiley at
[email protected]</i><br />
<br />
<i> Featured columnists' opinions, views and comments are not necessarily those of AccessNorthGa.com or JACOBS Media.</i>
