Corpse handled in 'Islamic practice' | POLITICO 44 http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0511/bin_ladens_body_c2fb2ff...

Bin Laden's body Search:

Corpse handled in 'Islamic

practice'
By MATT NEGRIN | 05/02/11 12:49 AM Updated: 05/02/11 2:30 AM

Share this story Print Email

Monday May. 2, 2011

AP Photo

The United States is treating Osama bin Laden's body in "accordance with Islamic
practice," a White House official says.

President Obama announced Sunday night that American forces killed bin Laden in
Pakistan and that they took his body afterward. He said no Americans were harmed in
the fight.

Asked how bin Laden's body will be treated, a senior administration official told reporters
on a conference call that "we are ensuring that is handled in accordance with Islamic
practice and tradition."

The official, who refused to be identified, said the matter is "something that we take very
seriously, and so, therefore, this is being handled in an appropriate manner."

Peter Bergen, a national security analyst, predicted on CNN that bin Laden's face will be
shown because of visual evidence that must be displayed. He also noted that Islamic law
calls for bodies to be buried within 24 hours of death.

"In Islam, the body has to be buried in 24 hours," Bergen said. "That will happen."

Announcing the killing of bin Laden, Obama said in a TV statement that American forces
fired at him after he authorized the attack.

"After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body," Obama
said. No Americans were harmed in the attack, Obama said, also noting that "they took
care to avoid civilian casualties."

He also took time in his statement to state that "our war is not against Islam."

"Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader. He was a mass murderer of Muslims," Obama said.
"Indeed, Al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our

1 of 3 5/2/2011 12:42 AM
Corpse handled in 'Islamic practice' | POLITICO 44 http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0511/bin_ladens_body_c2fb2ff...

own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity." All Times Eastern

9:00 AM
Recommend 1,398 people recommend this. Be the first of your friends.
10:00 AM

10:15 AM Obama and Biden receive

the presidential daily briefing.

44 Comments
Show first 20 comments 10:45 AM Obama meets with senior
advisers.

You must be logged in to comment 11:00 AM

11:55 AM Barack Obama presents

Private First Class Anthony T.
Email
Kaho'ohanohano and Private
First Class Henry Svehla the
Password Medal of Honor for
conspicuous gallantry;
Forget Password? Michelle Obama also
attends.

If you are not a member yet, what are you waiting for? Register Now!
12:00 PM

1:00 PM Carney briefs the press.

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

3:30 PM Jill Biden hosts a reception

honoring the 2011 National
Teacher of the Year and
State Teachers of the Year.

4:00 PM

5:00 PM

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

8:00 PM

8:15 PM Barack and Michelle Obama

host a group of bipartisan
leaders and ranking members
and their spouses for dinner;
Joe and Jill Biden also
attends.

9:00 PM

2 of 3 5/2/2011 12:42 AM
Corpse handled in 'Islamic practice' | POLITICO 44 http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0511/bin_ladens_body_c2fb2ff...

May 2011
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

POLITICO.com Ben Smith Mike Allen

Archives POLITICO Glenn Thrush Roger Simon
CABINET FIRST FAMILY FLOTUS MEDIA Home On Media The Huddle
2012 LIVE Josh Gerstein Arena
CLICK Live Pulse
Congress
Opinion
POLICY POTUS REPUBLICANS SUPREME COURT Community
Video
POLITICO Jobs
POLITICO Pro

VEEP WHITE HOUSE STAFF

RSS / Widgets E-mail Alerts Video Site Map Arena

POLITICO Home About Us Subscription Information Advertising Information Privacy Policy Employment
© 2011 POLITICO LLC
Please read our Privacy Policy. By using this site, you accept our Terms of Service.

3 of 3 5/2/2011 12:42 AM