AL JEZEERA:
This background on the operation to kill bin Laden was given to Al Jazeera by a senior US offiicial:
In the lead up to this operation, the President convened at least 9 meetings with his national security Principals. Principals met formally an additional five times themselves; and their Deputies met 7 times.
This was in addition to countless briefings on the subject during the President’s intelligence briefings; and frequent consultations between the NSC, CIA, DoD and Joint Staff. The President was actively involved in reviewing all facets of the operation.
The President made the decision to undertake the operation at 8:20am on April 29th in the Diplomatic Room before he left for Alabama. In the Dip Room were Donilon, Daley, Brennan and McDonough. Donilon then prepared the formal orders and convened the Principals at 3pm to complete the planning.
May 1 — staff worked pretty much all day today on the operation. Principals have been in the Situation Room since 1pm.
2:00pm the President met with the Principals to review final preparations.
3:32pm the President returned to the Sit Room for an additional briefing.
3:50pm the President first learns that UBL was tentatively identified.
7:01pm the President learns that there’s a “high probability” the HVT was UBL.
8:30pm the President receives further briefings.
Did he play golf this morning?