Assassination: A Tool to Counter Osama Bin Laden and Other Transnational Terrorists

Abstract : Osama bin Laden epitomizes the new face of transnational militancy--a terrorist who is not state supported and draws his followers from through out the world. When normal political, economic and diplomatic efforts fail to bring him to justice or to prevent further terrorist acts, should assassination be used to counter him? This paper addresses political, statute and ethical considerations in exploring this counter-terrorism option. Assassination is generally misunderstood because of a lack of a standard definition and interpretation of the law; therefore, each situation should be evaluated separately. Since bin Laden has not been brought to justice and he poses a continuing threat, the United States would be justified in killing him.