I am no fan of Obama, but this story is pure b.s.
Once a person becomes “command tactical”, that is, someone actively leading others engaged in acts of war against any NATO country and is residing outside the United States, they become an HVT, High Value Target.
All HVTs are to be “neutralized” at their soonest availability. Meaning, when they appear down range and can be clearly identified. All HVT’s are on a kill or capture list, meaning that they are first to be captured if possible.
There are no standing orders or presidential memo’s that specify kill only, that would be illegal, even for the President.
If it is determined that the HVT cannot be captured without undue hazard to our forces, of if the HVT is available on such short notice that our forces cannot be assembled, a strike order can be issued by the commander of JSOC, Admiral McRaven, at any time, without review.
If tactical time pressure allows, McRaven will review an ongoing surveillance with the President. Politically significant HVT operations can be vetoed by the President, that’s all.
If bin Laden were observed to be moving out of the compound in Abbottabad before we could send in personnel, on such short notice, we would have cratered the compound and called Obama after the fact.
This hit list is just nonsense, unworkable, assumes Obama could be briefed at any moment 24/7 and doesn’t trust McRaven to make the call, pure b.s.
Your big assumption for this president and his merry band is that they are concerned about legality.
DoJ and Eric Holder ring any bell?
And yes, I treat this whole ‘Obama kill list’ as a big fluff piece, and a clumsy attempt by the Obama team for the reelection bid.
Thanks gandalftb.