Why we didn't just bomb him

One of the least noted aspects of the killing of Bin Laden: the United States chose to send in a team of Navy Seals rather than just drop a bomb on the compound - which is the way they took out the Al Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al Zarkawi - or hit it with a predator missile.  This, of course was a much more risky undertaking. So why go mano a mano rather than hit Bin Laden from the air?

Of course, a strike from above might have killed many women and children inside the compound. And without boots on the ground one could not get the evidence necessary to prove Bin Laden was dead.

But there was another important reason for sending in the Seals, no matter how risky. In the Middle East much has been made of the fact that the United States often hits terrorists from the air, rather than engaging in manly combat on the ground. This is used to accuse America of cowardice and fear.

The Navy Seals who got Bin Laden, took great risks, fought their way into his compound, left women and children unscathed except for one of Bin Laden's wives who was apparently in front him during his final moments, and finished him off face to face.  This was an appropriate way to vanquish a bitter enemy in battle.  Whatever is or isn't said in public, the Arab world will take proper note of this feat.