NAVY SEAL WRITES BOOK

U.S. Navy SEALs are notorious for protecting their privacy and identity.  But one SEAL, who was part of the operation that killed Osama Bin Laden, has gone public via a new book out today that is causing controversy along the way.

“No Easy Day,” which the SEAL wrote under the pseudonym “Mark Owen,” says Bin Laden was unarmed when Navy SEALs found him during the raid on his Pakistan compound.  He says the al Qaeda leader was shot in the head as he peeked from a bedroom door, which differs from the Obama administration’s original description of the incident.

During the confused hours following the raid, White House counterterrorism adviser John Brennan originally said Bin Laden “was engaged in a firefight” with the Navy SEALs. The White House later amended that account, saying he was not armed but had resisted capture inside a 2nd floor bedroom in the compound.  Now, “Owen” uses his book to say that neither account was true.

National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor declined comment when asked about the book.  “As President Obama said on the night that justice was brought to Osama bin Laden, ‘We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country,'” he said.

U.S. defense officials have expressed great surprised by the book, since it was not vetted by government agencies prior to its release so as to ensure that no secrets were revealed.  That is standard procedure for any book or statement by an active or former member of the military. “Owen” could face great consequence by circumventing the terms of his service in the Navy SEALs.

“No Easy Day” was released today and Pentagon officials have already begun reviewing it for any mention of classified information.  “Owen” has broken with tradition by appearing in television interviews to promote the book, which could compromise his safety and the safety of his fellow Navy SEALs.