Whitehouse: Bin Laden ‘More a Mythic than Tactical Figure’

Whitehouse: Bin Laden ‘More a Mythic than Tactical Figure’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse learned of Osama bin Laden’s death like most of the nation: a late-night e-mail prompted him to turn on the television, where he soon discovered that the world’s top terrorist had been killed by a small team American soldiers.

In the day since, Whitehouse, like many members of Congress, has learned much more about the military operation that changed history.

“It was a bit of a gutsy call. It wasn’t completely clear it was going to work when it was authorized,” Whitehouse told GoLocalProv Monday of President Obama’s decision. “A lot could have blown up on this.”

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The stakes were far greater, he added, given that the operation took place deep within the borders of Pakistan.

In a statement earlier in the day, Whitehouse said he hoped bin Laden’s death “provides a turning point in the war against terrorism,” but he noted in the subsequent interview that bin Laden’s role had been diminished in recent years.

‘More mythic than a tactical figure’

“He had become very isolated in order to protect himself. The people who were engaging with the outside world were sort of in the third, fourth and fifth positions for al-Qaeda and were getting killed pretty regularly,” said Whitehouse, who served on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence for four years. “That put him under even more intense pressure to keep a low profile. So I think he was more a mythic than tactical figure for al-Qaeda.”

The senator said that he was impressed by the secrecy surrounding the mission, especially in a town known for leaks. Specifically, he reflected on his attendance at Saturday’s night’s Whitehouse Correspondence Association dinner in Washington, D.C., where he saw CIA Director Leon Panetta and Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

“They looked particularly pleased and cheerful. I assumed it had everything to do with their retirement,” Whitehouse continued of the men who will soon transition into new roles. “Now looking back, it looks like they knew this operation was in train.”

Not about politics

And Whitehouse, who has been the subject of intense criticism for attacking the Tea Party movement, was also impressed by the “spontaneous outpouring of enthusiasm” by Americans across the country in the hours after news of bin Laden’s death became public.

“It was clearly, fully bipartisan — had nothing to do with party politics and was all about us being Americans together,” he said. “Not quite to the same level as being drawn together by the horrors of 9/11, but a significant and binding moment. I think that is a good thing for the country.”

But asked about the political impact on Obama and other Democrats, like him, who are up for re-election in 2012, Whitehouse declined to speculate.

“I wouldn’t even want to think about that at this point. Almost seems like desecration of a pretty special moment and a pretty great achievement,” he said. “The vast majority of the men and women who accomplished it had nothing to do with Democrat or Republican.”

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Steve Peoples is a former Providence Journal political reporter who covers national politics for Roll Call. As the GoLocalProv Washington Correspondent, he will provide periodic coverage of Rhode Island affairs from Washington, D.C.