Obama Eliminates the Star Terrorist, “the Old Fashioned Way”

By ordering and succeeding in the elimination of Osama bin Laden, Barack Obama puts an end to the era of George W. Bush, whose two terms were defined by 9/11. And by the unsuccessful hunt for the man behind the attacks, the true villain of a soap opera for more than 10 years.

Tonight, the image of terrorism symbolized by a bearded, prematurely old and turban-wearing man is dead. This hated and bullet ridden image will give way to another reality: A metastasized form of terrorism that is much more difficult to recognize, identify and fight. And which will quickly replace the images of terrorism the world had before 9/11. Yet it is the reality, and Obama knows that he holds the responsibility for this war, which will define his presidency and reelection.

Above all, last night’s success is a way for Obama to impress upon the United States that the chapter of terrorism with a leader and an image is over. The old style of terrorism is over. The new style is everywhere, with no face and no “star.”