INTERNATIONAL
US says bin Laden’s death does not end decade-long Afghan war
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The U.S. and key allies fighting Taliban-led insurgents in Afghanistan insisted Monday that the death of the al-Qaida leader, who once found shelter there, did not mean a speedy end to the war or a rapid withdrawal of international troops.
The warnings that Osama bin Laden’s killing in neighboring Pakistan would not slow the fighting nonetheless ran up against arguments that the real war against al-Qaida had shifted to beyond the country’s borders. Among those who seized on that point was Afghanistan’s president, Hamid Karzai, who has pressed for a smaller military footprint in his country.
“For years, we have said that the fight against terrorism is not in Afghan villages and houses,” Karzai said. “It is in safe havens, and today that was shown to be true. Stop bombarding Afghan villages and searching Afghan people.”
Anti-foreigner sentiment is growing among Afghans increasingly tired of the nearly decade-long war and the failure of billions of dollars in international aid to improve their lives. And U.S. officials could feel pressure at home as well.
 
Pentagon officials: Bin Laden burial video may be released
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Pentagon officials say the at-sea burial of Osama bin Laden was videotaped and that it probably will be publicly released soon.
The officials said photos of the body prior to its disposal in the North Arabian Sea on Monday also may be released.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because decisions on releasing the materials were pending.
 
NATIONAL
President Bush hails bin Laden death as victory for America
DALLAS (AP) — Officials in George W. Bush’s administration joined the former president Monday in expressing gratitude that justice had finally been served with the death of Osama bin Laden.
Bush said in a statement issued late Sunday night that President Barack Obama had called to tell him of bin Laden’s death.
“I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission,” he said. “They have our everlasting gratitude.”
Giffords plans to return to Florida to watch NASA shuttle launch
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A spokesman for Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords says she plans to return to Florida to watch her astronaut husband lead the final launch of the space shuttle Endeavour.
C.J. Karamargin says Monday that his boss is awaiting word on when the flight will be rescheduled.
Giffords had traveled from Houston to Cape Canaveral to watch the launch scheduled for last Friday, but it was delayed because of a technical problem.
 
STATE/LOCAL
PLAQUEMINE, La. (AP) — Authorities say a Lafayette man escaped from custody at the Iberville Parish Jail and led deputies in a vehicle chase through two parishes before being caught.
The breakout occurred as 20-year-old Francois Antonio Charles was being booked Sunday on counts stemming from a car accident and an attempted carjacking.
Sheriff’s spokesman Aubrey St. Angelo said deputies were overpowered in a fight and Charles got out through a gate that had been unlocked during the jail’s meal period.
Gov. Jindal offers congratulations to Obama for bin Laden death
(AP) — Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal congratulated President Barack Obama, his national security team and the military for the death of Osama bin Laden, calling it a “great day for America, a great day for justice around the world.”
Jindal made his comments Monday.
He thanked the thousands of men and women in uniform and offered prayers to the victims of Sept. 11 and those who have died in the fight against terrorism.
 
 
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