Bin laden Quote by Michael Scheuer
“Until we respect bin Laden, we are going to die in numbers that are probably unnecessary.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: PBS Frontline "The Terrorist Threat", 2006
Argues that respecting enemies can prevent unnecessary casualties and promote security
In simple terms: Respect can reduce needless deaths
Key Takeaway
Consider empathy toward adversaries to save lives
Themes
security
ethics
conflict
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- Military policy
- peace negotiations
- counterterrorism planning
Key Concepts
Moral strategy
humanitarian perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- How can respect be balanced with defense?
- What are the risks of misinterpreting respect?
A Different Perspective
Respect may be seen as weakness or betrayal
![“He [Osama bin Laden] is clearly an odd combination of a 12th-century theologian and a 21st-century CEO. He runs an absolutely unique organization in the Islamic world. It's multiethnic, multilinguistic, multinational. He is a combat veteran, three times wounded. He has a huge reputation in the…” quote by Michael Scheuer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c70/michael-scheuer-7471_21st-century_he-osama-bin-laden-is-clearly-an-odd-com_1817985.jpg)
![“[to Navy SEALs] Quite frankly, I didn't even want to use you guys, with your dip and velcro and all your gear bullshit. I wanted to drop a bomb. But people didn't believe in this lead enough to drop a bomb. So they're using you guys as canaries. And, in theory, if bin Laden isn't there, you can…” quote by Mark Owen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/12a/mark-owen-41650_bin-laden_to-navy-seals-quite-frankly-i-didn-t-eve_19993.jpg)
