Letter: Hit or myth?

WITH the news that US special forces flew in helicopters from Afghanistan to Pakistan so low through the mountains that they avoided Pakistani radar, before abseiling undetected on to Osama bin Laden's lair, to finally summarily execute him, then very considerately bury him at sea according to Islamic tradition, will seem like a welcome fairy story to most Americans.

However, I prefer my unofficial version of events. Given that TV footage many years ago showed an ageing and infirm bin Laden shuffling about with a walking stick, he died a number of years ago. The US authorities were all but convinced this was the case, but, in any event, he was no longer personally considered a threat. What is more, they were "brassed off" venturing on unremitting wild goose chases so decided to concoct a story that would please the American public after all their disastrously unpopular ventures in other countries.

The official version saves face for the US authorities, the Pakistani authorities, appeases the American people and does not unduly upset the customary followers of Islam.

WILLIAM BURNS

Pennywell Road

Edinburgh