Several of the Military blogs I read last night said that there is a standing order (since before Obama's time) that, in a hostage situation, where the hostage is an American citizen, the military commander on the scene has authority to use deadly force if the hostage is in lifethreatening danger.
Obama may have been involved, but the point is he didn't have to be.
I believe, from all we know about Obama, his abundance of caution, his slow decision making and his upbringing which made him sympathetic [at the very least] to Muslim causes, his involvement, if any, would have been a negative toward the outcome that eventually occurred.
Interesting, what would be the origin of the standing order? Could obama over rule this standing order?
You’re correct, it has always been that way. But, as the CinC, he has the authority to override that.
My problem is that he chose to micro manage a proven and experienced Military leader. That, right there, tells me all I need to know.