Talk:Osama bin Laden/FAQ

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the corresponding page Osama bin Laden. They address concerns, questions, and misconceptions which have repeatedly arisen on the talk page. Please feel free to change this material in light of new discussion.

Q1: Why is the article reluctant to call him a terrorist?

A1: Wikipedia has a guideline discouraging the use of words such as "terrorist", especially if it is improperly sourced. This is not an indication of condoning "terrorist" activities, but of neutrality, and avoidance of passing judgment, affirming, or denying. A consensus was reached on this talk page that bin Laden could be described as being on the FBI's list of Most Wanted Terrorists, and a target in the War on Terror. Please debate the merit of the guideline at Wikipedia talk:Words to avoid, not here.

Q2: Why does the article say he died on May 2, 2011?

A2: Independent verification affirms that a raid took place on the compound where bin Laden was killed in the early hours of the morning of May 2, Pakistan Standard Time. Per the Manual of Style, we describe his death as taking place on May 2, even though U.S. President Barack Obama made his announcement in the evening of May 1, Eastern Daylight Time. Pakistan is 5 hours ahead of GMT/UTC. I.e. midnight of May 1 on the east coast of North America is 10 a.m. on May 2 in Pakistan.