Here's Moazzam Begg writing about the 'extrajudicial' killing of Osama bin Laden:
Over the years in custody, I was asked again and again about my views on bin Laden, and I have to admit that at times I felt he was personally responsible for my woes. I was trapped in a cell, away from my family, largely because of this man I didn't even know. That feeling of blame changed over time. Bin Laden did not incarcerate, torture, abuse and violate my body and dignity. He was in fact fighting the people who were doing this to me.
I learned more about the man from a few prisoners who did know him. The picture they painted was of a pious man determined to strike the West...
.....
Scheuer, former chief of the CIA's bin Laden unit, writes: "As to bin Laden himself, Americans have been told that he is many things, but virtually none of the portraits of him feature his piety, generosity, personal bravery, strategic ability, charisma and patience."Such characteristics can be admirable in any human being.
The vast majority of Muslims did not agree with bin Laden's targeting of civilians. Yet many will remember him as the man who made the United States tremble...
Questions that might occur to you after reading these passages. (1) Why has Amnesty International not thought better of its association with Begg and CagePrisoners? (2) Why is it ever thought a matter of relevant interest to inform people that individuals who have behaved monstrously may also have some good qualities? You know: Hitler liked children; that death camp functionary was kind to his dog; and so forth. It's an old story already: even a mass murderer is human; that message has been absorbed. But piousness, bravery, patience and the rest do not redeem major moral criminality.