The legendary Geronimo was the commander of the Chiricahua Apache tribe who evaded capture by the United States government. As per Soherwordi and Shahid, the US military selected the code phrase since, like Geronimo, bin Laden had avoided apprehension for years (3). From the perspective of liberal autonomy, however, the constitutionality of Operation Geronimo and the 2011 assassination of Al-Qaeda’s leader Osama bin Laden, in Pakistan remains controversial. It can be considered a breach of essential human rights, independence, or retribution for the suspect’s various offenses. Accordingly, President Obama was legally authorized to execute Operation Geronimo under the United States law. It was also justified by the state’s continuous battle with Al-Qaeda. The popular opinion was completely in the support of the president and the armed units. However, both the United Nations and Human Rights Groups have voiced concerns over potential violations of international agreements.
From the standpoint of American law, Bin Laden’s death was entirely justifiable. Before this, following the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, the United States Congress passed the Declaration for the Application of Military Intervention (Mitnik et al. 163). This act authorized the President of the United States to employ all appropriate and reasonable action against any state, entity, or anyone involved in the September 11 attacks (Mitnik et al. 163). Thus, the Obama regime defended the deployment of force based on this decision, humanitarian treaties, and the laws of warfare.
Consequently, Operation Geronimo was viewed as a valid military exercise in the ongoing battle between the United States and al-Qaeda. It might even be considered an antagonistic movement in respect of assassinating individual figures. Finally, regarding public opinion, the country applauded Operation Geronimo’s accomplishment. Obama portrayed Bin Laden’s killing as a success and vengeance because, in American culture, Bin Laden was viewed as a villain. According to Chester and Alexandra, the President differentiated between vengeance and justice, explaining the latter by blaming Bin Laden for the deaths of thousands of Americans (47). Obama, therefore, delivered an address on a topic concerning national security.
However, in terms of the global response, the exercise is an infringement of the country’s laws and worldwide norms. The United Nations Charter permits foreign governments to undertake military operations in the jurisdiction of other states (Laski 58). It is not forbidden if the country is incapable or unwilling to handle the issue. However, Pakistan’s response was decisive, arguing that the move was primarily illegal (Laski 58). Although sentiments at the UN were mixed, the officials maintained that the United States offered Bin Laden a chance to plead, but he refused to acknowledge guilt (Laski 60). As a result, the execution of terrorists can be viewed as legal action to prevent future terrorist acts.
In conclusion, the United States executed Operation Geronimo, which resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden, the terrorist accountable for atrocities against thousands of innocent individuals. The American nation and the constitution validated Barack Obama’s decision for the US citizens. Whereas, the world community’s response was opaque, however it welcomed the US military’s assassination of Osama bin Laden. Even if this conduct may have violated civil treaties by trespassing upon Pakistan’s territory, the destruction of Osama bin Laden was a tremendous achievement not only for the United States but for the entire globe.
Works Cited
Chester, David S., and Alexandra M. Martelli. “Why Revenge Sometimes Feels So Good.” Handbook of Forgiveness. Routledge, 2019. pp. 43-51.
Laski, Piotr. “Remarks About Targeted Killing in the Light of Public International Law.” Legal Review of the University of Adam Mickiewicz, vol. 11, 2020, pp. 57-66.
Mitnik, Zachary S., Joshua D. Freilich, and Steven M. Chermak. “Post-9/11 Coverage of Terrorism in the New York Times.” Justice Quarterly, vol. 37, no. 1, 2020, pp. 161-185.
Soherwordi, Syed Hussain Shaheed, and Shahid Ali Khattak. “Operation Geronimo: Assassination of Osama Bin Ladin and its Implications on the US-Pakistan Relations, War on Terror, Pakistan and Al-Qaeda.” South Asian Studies, vol. 26, no. 2, 2020, pp. 1-17.