So in the midst of revision, rehearsals and recordings I find the news (plastered across Facebook, Twitter and various other corners of the Interweb) about Osama bin Laden’s death. People seem to be equal parts thrilled and wary about it and I have to say, I can see why.
It is, of course, pretty great news – he was definitely a Bad Man and it’s good to see a conclusion to ten years of searching for him. And as an added bonus we have the pleasure of his death happening under Obama rather than George W Bush – one fears we might never have seen or heard the last of it from the American right if Dubya had been ‘responsible’ for the end of Osama.
But on the other hand we have two things to consider: firstly, bin Laden was not the sole thing binding Al-Quaeda together. Far from it. They’re still there, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they were pretty pissed. I don’t want to come across as a crazy fearmonger but we should probably keep alert. Secondly, the end of bin Laden accomplishes one of the USA’s more concrete aims for their presence in the Middle East. So…what are they to do now? I sincerely doubt they’ll just up and leave. I think the next few weeks will be very telling.
I know, I know. ‘Quit it with the serious stuff!’ Well, on a lighter note, Down For The Count is taking to Don’t Tell Fred in East Sheen for a live gig this Friday (6th May), and the Martinis are heading to The Bull’s Head in Barnes for a recording session on Wednesday. Very exciting stuff. Watch this space for details of our CD!
The Trumpetist 
As I said to an American friend … Very sad to see the news about Bin Laden … glad he’s gone but sad that Obahma and Hillary decided to watch the event live on TV … have their picture taken in the act … and release it to the world at large. A cynic might say it was electioneering at its tasteless worst.
It makes the AV Yes/No campaign seem polite
Good points Max. A third issue you didn’t mention re. Bin Laden is the legality of invading a sovereign country to assassinate someone, no matter how much of a ‘Bad Man’ he may have been. Carte blanche now for any other state to follow the US example? Will US Navy Seals be landing in Norfolk soon to take out Julian assange?