Taleban surrender: What now for Mullah Omar?

Speculation is intensifying over the whereabouts of Taleban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, after his fighters gave up control of their last major stronghold - the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.

A spokesman for Gul Agha Sherzai, the former governor of Kandahar, said Mullah Omar was being held in the city under the protection of a former mujahideen commander, Mullah Naqibullah, who is sympathetic to the Taleban.

US chief of staff Andrew Card declared that the Bush administration was also "pretty sure" the Taleban leader remained in the city.

But Afghanistan's interim leader Hamid Karzai was less confident, admitting that his administration were unsure of Omar's whereabouts. "We are looking for him. He is a fugitive," he said.

The US and Britain have strongly rejected the possibility of granting amnesty to Omar. On Friday the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said Omar could not be allowed to "slip quietly into history". The American government would prefer to see him and his associates face a US military tribunal.

How do you think Mullah Omar should be dealt with? And what sort of justice should other Taleban and al-Qaeda members face?

This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

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Your reaction:

Somehow, something very spiritual has been lost

Chetan, India

I'm a very recent fan by comparison and wasn't even born when John Lennon died but feel very sad on hearing the news. Somehow, something very spiritual has been lost. Many in India are quietly weeping today. George, as you leave to spread your message of love and faith "Across the Universe", thanks and many salutes for your music.
Chetan, India

You gave me your autograph in 1963, I've still got it. Lots of love.
Richard Owen, Wales

I grew up in London in the 60's. It was the best decade to be young and this was mostly due to the wonderful music of the Beatles that set our feet dancing. The music will stay with us until it is our turn to go. God bless you George for all the years of pleasure you have given us.
A. Reading, New Zealand

Having grown up with The Beatles and being influenced to become a musician because of them, I feel great sadness over George's passing. But I have great hope and respect for the way in which he lived as well as the dignity and sense of spirituality he showed in facing death. He was a man of greatly underestimated talent, tremendous intelligence and wit and the world is a decidedly poorer place without him. God bless you, George, and my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
Doug Robb, USA

Mullah Omar's future should be determined by the Afghan people

Zakir Rashid, Richmond, USA

Mullah Omar's future should be determined by the Afghan people. He cannot be held accountable for the actions of Bin Laden. If the United States does in fact put him on trial in front of a military tribunal, then the Afghan people have every right to put President Bush on trial for the killing of civilians during the US campaign.
Zakir Rashid, Richmond, USA

I do not know about what Mullah Omar knew about the September 11 attacks but I firmly believe that he should be tried for harbouring terrorists and also for the humanitarian crimes committed under his and the Taleban's orders. If all he was guilty of was being a religious fanatic, well, I wouldn't advocate it, but it only becomes a problem when you impose it on others. Especially when you impose it by beating or murdering those who do not agree with you.
Lizzie

There have been revolutionaries in the past who have welcomed the chance to be put on trial so that they could state their case to the world. But Omar and Bin Laden are not revolutionaries, just demented terrorists. They do not have the courage to face a trial anywhere; they have no cause to state. These cowards will try to hide or escape and when capture becomes inevitable will opt for death. The issue of trial will not arise.
SH, India/USA

The US has been pushed back into the witch-hunting mode of communist paranoia and McCarthyism

David de Vere Webb, England

Several people refer to those who thought the USA would fail in Afghanistan. Maybe there were some but what most objectors felt and still do feel is that the vile provocation of September 11 pushed the USA back into the witch-hunting mode of the past. Examples of this included Salem, communist paranoia and McCarthyism. The US still has the overriding power in these situations. Much as we love them, we must ask do they exercise it wisely?
David de Vere Webb, England

Everyone should be held accountable for their actions. This includes all wrongdoers on both sides. If there is one law for one and another for another, then this is not justice. International law has its provisions for extraditing people, so to prove without doubt that we are just we should follow our own rules, even if they are inconvenient. This is what sets us apart from the terrorists and crackpots.
Johannes Gerber, London, UK

Why is there a need for Mullah Omar to be put on trial? As a Muslim I cannot see what he has done wrong. I see him as a sincere leader who has been trying his best to rule Afghanistan according to Islamic law. If the western world cannot stomach Islamic law, which includes cutting off body parts as punishment, then that's their problem. It is none of their business anyway.
Shukri, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Mullah Omar is not only responsible and involved in the death of the 4,000 Americans but is also a dictator and military leader. He is also responsible for the deaths of thousands of Afghans. If Afghan people have suffered from hunger, cold, homelessness, all the accountability lies with him. America can forgive him but Afghans can't.
Sultan, Toronto, Canada

If the USA puts Mullah Omar on trial, and they certainly should, I suggest that it should be fair and also put other state leaders on trial who harbour and support terrorists. The west cannot selectively separate state leaders and the thugs who work for them by calling Mullah Omar a killer while calling someone like Musharraf a "brave and courageous leader". Mr Kharzai and Dr Abdullah will not only have to fight internal enemies like Mullah Omar but also external threats, like the foreign leaders who supported the Taleban, to bring stability to Afghanistan.
Utpal, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

For those who think the Taleban are finished, it would be wise to remember that there are approximately two million Talebs in the Madrassahs (religious schools) in Pakistan. The Taleban evolved in the past from a group of approximately 30 to 40 individuals to take control of 95 percent of Afghanistan in such a short space of time. If lawlessness breaks out in Afghanistan once again as it did previously under the Northern Alliance you can bet your bottom dollar the Taleban will be back.
Ahmed, UK

Mullah Omar should stick to his original plan of not surrendering. He should follow what he has implemented. As far as Bin Laden is concerned, I guess this is the right time for him to come forward and prove that he was not involved in the horrible terrorist attacks of 11 September, because our great prophet never taught us to kill innocent people.
Fatma A Y, Dubai, UAE

The US position is clear. Omar, when caught, should be put in front of a tribunal and then executed. The Taleban did not heed the warnings they received for harbouring Bin Laden. Now they will pay the price. If anyone harbours the Taleban leader then they will go down too. People around the world may not like it, but that is the way it is going to be.
Daniel, Chicago, USA

The chances of him actually receiving a fair trial are very slim

Tony Sorace, Grenada

I think that all these calls to give Omar a fair trail, then execute him, show that the chances of him actually receiving a fair trial are very slim. If he is executed this will only give future generations a martyr to try and avenge. But what is he actually guilty of? Being a religious fanatic? In that case, do we execute all religious fanatics - the Christian church has its fair share of them as well. Where is the "turn the other cheek" approach? Would it not be far better to let him live out the rest as his life, and be used as an example, to show that we in the west are more civilised. We need to stop the cycle of violence, hate and intolerance. Islamic fundamentalism has been given a sound thrashing in this war. The Christian church has used the death of Jesus Christ at the hands of the Romans, the corner stone of their religion for the past 1,000 years. Let's not give Muslims their version by instigating the death of Mullah at the hand of the Americans, who are after all today's Romans.
Tony Sorace, Grenada

As an Afghan American I am extremely upset about the current situation facing the refugees. Afghans have been tormented for the past 20 years. I believe Omar should be arrested by the Afghan government but I also think that General Dostum and the other warlords who have committed atrocities should face UN charges of genocide. If Omar goes down, Dostum should go down too.
Yusuf A, USA

How can we declare somebody a terrorist without any judicial trial? I think a trial should be held to establish the proof of his guilt. The judiciary should be selected from Muslim countries. We should then let them decide his fate.
Khalid Rashid, Toronto, Canada

I don't believe that Omar should be tried in the USA or by military tribunal. This will only further incite the fanatics in their hatred of Americans. If we are to have a chance of winning the war against terrorism then we need to be perceived by the rest of the world, in particular the Middle East, as being fair when dispensing justice, especially to foreigners.
Carla, Elk Park, North Carolina, USA

If Mullah Omar is to stand trial, I hope it's going to be a public trial with evidence that isn't "top secret" so that the entire world can see justice done. The last thing we need is a "kangaroo court" trial by the US military.
Steve Wehrle, Southampton, UK

Omar has caused as much pain to the Afghan people as the Russians. How can it be plausible for us not to capture and punish this man as an example to the leaders of other rogue states?
Alistair Jewson, London

I wonder what those who advocate a trial really expect it to achieve

Erik, London, UK

I wonder what those who advocate a trial really expect it to achieve. Was anyone on any side of the argument convinced that a fair verdict had been reached in the Lockerbie debacle? In any case how could he possibly receive a fair trial anywhere in the world?
Erik, London, UK

Isn't it a little early to be talking of trying and/or executing someone who hasn't been captured yet? This discussion is sort of like belling the cat, all good ideas but just talk unless we have the cat in captivity.
Kathy Willsea, USA

Both men should be put to death in the same fashion that they forced upon their own people.
Alan, UK

Neither Osama Bin Laden nor Mullah Omar are terrorists. Osama Bin Laden is fighting for justice. He cannot bear the isolation of Muslims. Bin Laden is doing the correct thing. I support him in his every act. He is a true Muslim and he will enter paradise.
Mohammad Anwaar ul haq, Doha, Qatar

In response to Mohammad Anwaar ul haq, Doha, Qatar: What a load of rubbish. Bin Laden is doing the right thing? No sane person could agree with his actions on September 11, it was pure evil. The very fact that you can voice such an opinion is a privilege and freedom that I fully support. But it is a freedom that would not be granted to you under the regime that you support.
Nick Ritter, London

The US has no right to intervene if the provisional Afghan government decides to give amnesty to Omar

Steve, Cheltenham, UK

The US has no right to intervene if the provisional Afghan government decides to give amnesty to Mullah Omar. Given the treacherous history of Afghan warlords, amnesty will probably mean that he is tortured, executed, hung from a lamppost and his body dragged through the streets anyway.
Steve, Cheltenham, UK

Put him in the same cell as Jeffrey Archer.
Tom F, Hampshire, UK

While I do not share many of my countrymen's view that Omar should be "given a fair trial and then executed", I am astounded at the many comments claiming his innocence. Is he not one of the closest confidants of Bin Laden? Isn't he also connected to him by family? And now, so many are willing to grant Omar a pardon from his involvement in supporting a brutal terrorist organisation. Do so many people really believe that Omar did not have close consultations with Bin Laden concerning both of their activities and actions?
Cam, Columbia, SC, USA

If he had just given Bin Laden up in the first place he would still be in power

Ian Edwards, Liverpool, England

What I find incredible is that Mullah Omar has effectively given up control of his country because of his intransigence in giving up Bin Laden. For the sake of one person, he has seen his Taleban government crushed. If he had just given the man up in the first place he would still be in power. By not condemning the September 11 strikes or Bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorists he is aligning himself with their movement and policies. If he can be captured he should be brought back to the US and tried as a war criminal and a terrorist.
Ian Edwards, Liverpool, England

Since when are the victims of a crime allowed to judge the accused? If these people are accused of crimes against America then they should not be tried there, especially not in a kangaroo military tribunal, where the outcome would be a forgone conclusion, the evidence hidden, and the punishment inhumane.
Martin, England, UK

Mullah Omar is a war criminal and a terrorist. This is non-refutable. He is obviously running from justice because he knows it is true as reflected in the minds of the vast majority of people throughout the world. I strongly think he will receive the justice he deserves. The sooner the better.
Oren Anderson, Charleston, SC, USA

The outcome of a US trial of Mullah Omar has to be a foregone conclusion, as does the reaction. He is in America's eyes, guilty, even though they have not actually made any clear charges. Anyone still supporting the Mullah or indeed any Muslims still hostile to the US will see this as an affront and there will be another backlash against the US. If Mullah is left free, there is a danger he will spread his message further, but imprisoning him in the US, or even executing him, will spread his message more effectively than he could hope to. Life-long house arrest is the punishment meted out to deposed leaders the world over. It is the only suitable sanction here.
N Tracey, Edinburgh, Scotland

I think 30 or 40 years in an American prison would teach him a harder lesson, if he survived

Rhys, UK

There is no doubt Omar must face justice, but are we to become hypocrites by bypassing the UN? Even the Nazis were given the right to a fair trial, regardless of their crime. What possible reason could there be for making him stand in front of a military court, other than assuring that whatever the truth is he will be found guilty and removed. No bad thing you might argue, but by denying a lunatic his rights, what does that make us? We must not sell out our civilised fundamental principles in the fight against terrorism. Justice has to be seen to be fair, we have to act carefully to avoid creating martyrs. How does Omar suffer if he is executed? I think 30 or 40 years in an American prison would teach him a harder lesson, if he survived.
Rhys, UK

As the US has said time and again the mission is to get rid of al-Qaeda, so Omar and the rest of the Taleban are a concern for the new Afghan interim government.
Kay, The Netherlands

The outside world sometimes fails to fully comprehend the exact nature and modus operandi of internal struggles within a foreign nation. That is especially true of countries such as Afghanistan where much that happens occurs in a very similar manner to the way it did 1400 years ago. If the new leadership feels it has a different concept of justice than outsiders and can use and re-educate or rehabilitate individuals such as Mullah Omar differently then they must have the final say. We must not undermine the authority and power of the new Afghan government. Neither must we impose our concepts of the law on them. However we must be convinced that persons such as Mullah Omar will no longer prove a future threat to Afghan peace and internal freedom.
Robert Morpheal, Canada

The damage that the Taleban have done to their own country is vast. Surely Mullah Omar should first be tried by his own people and then stand before a UN criminal court for his part in what al-Qaeda have done to the world. Alternatively, he could do the decent thing in such circumstances and save us all the bother.
Kevin, Reading, UK

Mullah Omar is not the terrorist. He was a bad leader, but not a terrorist. There are many other bad leaders out there. What will be done about them?
Fareed Bashir, UK

From the US point of view a good dose of summary justice fits nicely with its agenda

Martin, UK

From the US point of view a good dose of summary justice fits nicely with its agenda. However, the rest of the world has greater maturity. The west frequently makes deals with the devil for a short-term solution - it was the US who created Bin Laden in the first place to stop communist expansion. I see no reason why the Afghans can't do the same for a long-term peace in their country.
Martin, UK

Mullah Omar should be tried by a UN war tribunal. Giving him amnesty after all the destruction in Afghanistan and other countries for which he is directly responsible will not be justice at all. But I'm intrigued by many comments that he should be tried and executed. Let the trial court decide if should be executed or given another form of punishment.
Sebastian Kuzhikannil, India

I will fully support any action the US wishes to take against him. He has surrendered to the US so his fate is in its hands and no one can defend his actions. The fact is that he has harboured terrorists and let his followers die while surrendering himself to avoid death.
Stuart, UK

Mullah Omar has made his bed and should lie in it. He knew what he was letting himself in for.
Hakan, UK

What about the Northern Alliance, are they not guilty of murder, rape and theft as well? Did they not kill and steal from men who tried to make their way out of Afghanistan? I'd like to know who's going to bring them to justice?
Jason d'Eon, Montreal, Canada

Allowing a terrorist to operate from your country does not make you guilty of their acts

Andrew Bartlett, UK

Allowing a terrorist to operate from your country does not make you guilty of their acts. If this was the case then countless Irish and British politicians should be tried for the same crime committed during the 'Troubles'. Stop the hypocrisy should have been the slogan of the anti-war demonstrators.
Andrew Bartlett, UK

I think Andrew Bartlett makes an excellent point. The Americans have let Noraid fund the IRA from Boston for over 20 years - does this make all Americans terrorists?
Terry Amis, UK

I don't see why Mullah Omar should be tried by anyone other than the Afghans themselves. The Taleban themselves were not involved in September 11th, merely hosted Al Qaeda. The Taleban are guilty only of crimes against their own people and Omar should be tried in the Hague like Milosevic; the USA has no right to be involved.
Matthew Nash, London

Much as I despise the Taleban I have seen no evidence that Omar has performed acts of terrorism

Andy D, London, UK

What really terrifies me is the perspective of some American contributors to this debate who seem to genuinely believe that Omar is a terrorist and a war criminal and should therefore be given a fair trial and killed. Much as I despise the Taleban and everything they have ever done, and take delight in their downfall, I have seen no evidence that Omar has either performed acts of terrorism or that he knew in advance of al Qaeda's plans for 11 September.
Andy D, London, UK

I know someone who helped al Qaeda get to where they are today and helped with their training and armed them with the best weapons money could buy. It was the C.I.A and R.E.A.G.A.N. Should they be given a fair trial and executed as well?
James Clarke, UK

Mr Harzai's interim government restores the rule of law to Afghanistan, we're told. Well, here's a chance to show the world that. The US should present evidence and apply to extradite Mullah Omar, if they wish him to face charges for crimes against the US. As for any crimes he committed against Afghanistan - surely any amnesty granted for those is completely up to Mr Harzai, and has nothing to do with the US?
James, Coventry, UK

Is Omar guilty of anything more than being a religious fundamentalist in a secular age?

Geoffrey Shaw, Winnipeg, Canada

Is Omar guilty of anything more than being a religious fundamentalist in a secular/atheistic age and being an idiotic guerrilla commander? Will American leaders also put themselves on trial for having supported mass-murderers like Rashid Dostum and by participating in the slaughter of prisoners of war at Dostum's fort?
Geoffrey Shaw, Winnipeg, Canada

The military tribunal would be a very bad move, turning him into a full-blooded martyr, arbitrarily executed.
Malcolm McMahon, York, UK

Despite what many revenge-minded people (mostly in America) are saying, it is impossible to overemphasize how necessary it is to give Omar, other Taleban and al-Qaeda members (especially Osama bin Laden) fair trials. Not the US military trials, where they would be denied the opportunity to defend themselves, but in Afghanistan. If their own people are not allowed to judge them, America and the West will simply be imposing its version of justice on them, and the view of America as oppressive is part of what led to this mess in the first place.
Marley, Chicago & NY, USA

Hamid Karzai should be the one to make the final decision about the fate of Omar

Sharon Lucas, Brooklyn, New York, USA

The Afghan leader Hamid Karzai should be the one to make the final decision about the fate of Omar. Once our country starts to heal and reflect on how this started only then can we root out the causes of why groups of people in the world hate our government's policies in their lands. Our present leaders are military warriors and once their role is no longer needed then hopefully a new order of peacemakers will take over.
Sharon Lucas, Brooklyn, New York, USA

I think he should be tried firstly for harbouring terrorists and providing a base for them and secondly for the humanitarian crisis he let unfold in his country. I do not think a person like Mullah Omar should be granted amnesty so that he gets away scot-free. That only sends the wrong message to other evildoers. The issue is how and where he is going to be tried. I think he should tried by a UN criminal tribunal, just like Milosevic because his policies and actions have affected the entire world.
Ishrat Jehan, Dallas, USA

As distasteful as it may be, offering amnesty to the old regime to smooth the transition to democracy is an effective strategy. It has worked for Argentina, South Africa and East Timor. The US always has the option of extradition if they want to try him for crimes or conspiracies against their citizens.
Chris Watson, Melbourne, Australia

Mullah Omar should be brought to justice. Better yet, he should be declared a war casualty along with his key associates. Their crime is not just against Afghans or misinterpreting Islamic religion, rather it is against all of humanity. Let's not forget that
Syed Hassan, Fair Oaks, California, USA

How can the US shake hands with one war criminal, General Dostum, and threaten to execute another, Mullah Omar? Nation building requires forgiveness and reconciliation. Nelson Mandela set a glorious example for his nation ten years ago by forgiving all the misdeeds of the apartheid era. George Bush and Tony Blair should do the same by supporting Hamid Karzai in providing amnesty to all Taleban who renounce terrorism.
Fawad, Philadelphia, USA

Bin Laden is the terrorist, not Omar

Samuel Tweah, Michigan, USA

I think we have to draw a thin line between Mullah Omar and Osama Bin Laden. It is true Omar is culpable for harbouring Bin Laden but he cannot easily be connected to such extreme horrors as September 11. I doubt whether Mullah Omar was apprised of the detailed workings of the al-Qaeda movement. Yes he knew they were up to some training but not of the magnitude of September 11.

Mullah Omar must have been knowledgeable in the generalities, not the specifics. The US's main objective is to capture members of al-Qaeda, not necessarily the Taleban. After all the US knew Bin Laden had been in Afghanistan long before September 11, but did not indict the Taleban specifically for terrorism. It may even be that Omar lost all control over Bin Laden once the terrorist had brought in sufficient foreigners to neutralise any potential instability from the Taleban. Omar was then himself hijacked by Bin Laden and could do nothing to al-Qaeda without risking self destruction. Tying Omar to Bin Laden may complicate the capture of the world's most wanted man. Bin Laden is the terrorist, not Omar.
Samuel Tweah, Michigan, USA

Interesting comment from John, USA: "Omar should be given a fair trial and then executed." What is the point of a fair trial if you plan to execute someone no matter what the verdict? If that is American justice then I hope that I never have to come before a court in the US. I agree that Omar should be tried, but first and foremost for the crimes he has committed in Afghanistan. He should, then, be tried by an Afghan court. If he is acquitted of those crimes then he should be sent to a neutral country like the Netherlands where he could stand trial before the UN. To prevent similar acts of terror in the future the west must be seen to be fair and just, or else we will just spawn a new generation of hijackers.
Josie, Canada/UK

He should be tried by a military tribunal and put to death, but not before he has divulged the whereabouts of his friend Osama

Gerry, New Jersey, USA

Mullah Omar is an accessory after the fact of terrorism and murder. Apart from his supposed association with the World Trade Center atrocity, he has been directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Afghan men, women and children over the past 10 years. He should be tried by a military tribunal and put to death soon afterwards, but not before he has divulged the whereabouts of his friend Osama.
Gerry, New Jersey, USA

I enjoy reading the comments of my fellow countrymen who suggest Omar should be given a fair trial before being executed. It's not fair if he's already been convicted and sentenced to death. Contrary to some posts here, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Omar was not only involved in the 11 September attacks, but previous attacks on US interests, India, western China and Chechnya. Firstly, he should be tried for his crimes against his own people. Then, if necessary, he should be tried for sponsoring international terrorism. If all else fails, a little extra judicial activity might be in order.
Dan, New York City, USA

The US is finding him guilty by association without any hard evidence

Will Douglas-Mann, UK

We have not been shown any evidence that Mullah Omar had any part in the planning of the events of September 11. It seems improbable that the perpetrators would have had any contact with him. The US is finding him guilty by association without any hard evidence. What is indisputable is that he is responsible both directly and indirectly for the deaths of tens of thousands of Afghan citizens and it is in Afghanistan that he should be held accountable for his actions.
Will Douglas-Mann, UK

What kind of coward urges his followers to fight to the death, then surrenders himself? To deter others who may be tempted to harbour terrorists or support their cause, Omar should be given a fair trial and then executed.
John, USA

The problem lies in that Karzai has promised him amnesty. If Karzai is to be given any credibility we must allow him to exercise his own judgment. On the other hand, Mullah Omar stands accused of many terror related crimes and abuses of human rights. To let him run free would be an injustice. But to meddle in what is now an internal Afghan affair and severely undermine the standing of Karzai's government would probably lead to further bloodshed. That would be an even greater injustice.
Charles Macdonald, Chicago, USA/London, UK

Mullah Omar should be put on trial. Then so should many other people involved in criminal acts of war which have been ignored for being on the "right" side. It is improbable that this is the end of al-Qaeda and Bin Laden. He might be caught but this will be highly difficult. In any event, he has inspired the minds and spirits of many Muslim extremists, and even if al-Qaeda is dismantled it is interconnected with so many other groups that it is hard to see the end of this kind of movement or organisation.
Alejandro Ashley, Madrid, Spain

Let's encourage him to stick to his original plan

Prashant Mishra, USA

Isn't he the same guy who asked his followers to fight to the death and not to surrender? Now when it is his turn, he is ready to surrender? Why doesn't he go ahead and fight with the infidels? Let's encourage him to stick to his original plan.
Prashant Mishra, USA

Hopefully this is a non-issue as we have every intention of helping him achieve martyrdom.
Brian Bay, New York City, USA

He should be tried by a military tribunal and executed. Where now are all those who predicted a month or so ago that America was going to meet its end in Afghanistan and suffer another Vietnam. They told us that the Taleban would fight to the death for its perverted cause. Paradise is still waiting for the Taleban but it sounds like they're not quite so willing to live up to their words.
Peter C Kohler, Washington DC, USA

He is not only guilty of supporting and abetting terror but also guilty of leading one of the most despotic regimes in modern times. It must be understood that instead of cooperating with the modern world, this individual chose to lead his country into confrontation. He should get a short trial and a long rope.
Dr Sharad Kumar, Birmingham, UK

Omar should at least be imprisoned. All the leaders of this terrorist-protecting regime should be caught or eliminated. He didn't have mercy against his opponents, so why should he have mercy?
Peter, Helsinki, Finland

Mullah Omar should be held accountable for his actions and tried for his crimes. His hand has not been forced by anyone and no sympathy should be given to him. As for capturing Bin Laden, who knows? The way the USA is bombing away at the cave complexes, we could easily have killed him and buried proof of our actions. If he is to be or has been killed and we can't verify it, we will no doubt suffer from Bin Laden sightings to such an extent as to give Elvis a run for his money. As gruesome as it may seem the world needs a corpse to be sure that we are rid of this foul person.
John, Anaheim, CA, USA

He should be handed over to the Americans for trial before a military tribunal

David Szondy, USA/UK

What should be done with him? He is clearly either an active participant or a heavily involved accessory to Bin Laden's campaign of terror. He should be handed over to the Americans for trial before a military tribunal and if found guilty punished to the full extent of the law. Then at the end of his sentence, if he has escaped the death penalty, he should be handed over to the British to repeat the process for the crimes he has committed against our people, and so on. That, gentlemen, is called justice.
David Szondy, USA/UK

Mullah Omar is war criminal and a terrorist. Therefore, he must be brought to justice. He must not be granted amnesty and should be punished to the full extent of the law, preferably by a military tribunal in the United States. There are no other acceptable alternatives to this issue.
Kenneth M Fallis, San Diego, USA

Osama, you're next!

Dain Bentley, Washington DC, USA

I believe he should be tried as a terrorist. He housed them and gave them asylum and land so they could plan and carry out their evil deeds. He is just as guilty as the men who committed these terrible acts of terrorism. We must make people realise that if you associate with the criminals, then your freedom and life should not be spared. He and the Taleban knew of the atrocities al-Qaeda members were committing and yet they did nothing. Just denouncing it because you have been defeated doesn't cut it. If he is a man, then let him face the consequences like one. He can't hide behind his religion or his henchmen any longer. As for Osama, you're next!
Dain Bentley, Washington DC, USA