Thread: Obama team weighs releasing picture of dead bin Laden

Christian Science Monitor

Osama bin Laden conspiracy theories race across the world

By Robert Marquand, Staff writer / May 3, 2011

Less than 48 hours after the White House announced the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan and his burial at sea, "conspiracy theories" are racing across the planet.

The quick burial of Mr. bin Laden and the decision not to release photos of his body were part of a White House strategy to prevent revulsion throughout the Muslim world. But the lack of public proof of his death is sparking wild rumors, not just in Pakistan and the Arab world, but also in Europe and the US.

Among the radical assertions bouncing around the Internet: bin Laden was dead before the attack; he is still alive; the DNA that was supposed to be bin Laden's was inconclusive; and that the White House concocted a raid just to ensure President Obama's reelection. That's just to name a few.

IN PICTURES: Global reaction to Osama bin Laden's death

The glut of conspiracy theories suggests a more general breakdown of traditional media’s authority in an era of text-messaging, Twitter, and instant “clarityâ€

David Letterman
“Did you guys enjoy the Osama bin Laden season finale? … There’s already been some trouble for bin Laden in the afterlife. Apparently there was a mix up … and he was greeted by 72 vegans.â€

CIA says release of Osama bin Laden's photo likely:

By the CNN Wire Staff

May 3, 2011 8:15 p.m. EDT

Washington (CNN) -- CIA Director Leon Panetta said Tuesday he thinks a photograph of Osama bin Laden's body will be released at some point, but that it is up to the White House to make the final call.

A senior administration official said that no decision has been made yet as to whether to release the photo.

"I just think it's important, they know we have it, to release it," Panetta said.

Osama bin Laden's dead, now what?

He did not know when the photograph might be made public.

Two Democratic senators, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Tuesday night they expected a photograph to be released shortly, but they did not have an exact time frame either.

Widely distributed photo is a fake:

An image of bin Laden's body could help convince doubters about his death, but it could also inflame passions against the United States. U.S. officials have said they are weighing the appropriateness of such a release.

CNN's Jessica Yellin and Ted Barrett contributed to this report.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiap ... ef=edition

Osama Bin Laden's Death Picture Poised for Release
- ABC News
May 3, 2011 ... President Barack Obama and national security officials are seriously considering releasing a photo of Osama bin Laden's corpse today, ...
abcnews.go.com › Politics