IndexIntroductionOperation GeronimoConclusionReferencesIntroductionPresident Obama had the legal authority to carry out Operation Geronimo. As the leader of Al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden posed a global threat to all humanity. The acts performed by the Seal Team were legally justified and met the burden of proof to satisfy: 1) the doctrine of Jud Ad Bellum, 2) the operation at the international border without the nation's knowledge or consent of the operation, and 3) the doctrine of Jus in Bello. The United States and Al-Qaeda have been in constant foreign conflict, fueled by the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which resulted in the taking of thousands of innocent American lives. This essay provides a detailed analysis of how Operation Geronimo was legally justified and met the burden of proof to satisfy the doctrines of Jud Ad Bellum and Jus in Bello, as well as international requirements for the use of legitimate force defense, making it a highly significant and justifiable operation in response to the September 11 attacks. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Operation GeronimoThe doctrine of Jud Ad Bellum allows a nation to justifiably use force internationally if it is in “1) self-defense following armed attack or 2) expressly permitted by the United Nations” (Hodgin, SL , 2014, p.6).The 9/11 attack on the United States was enough evidence to satisfy the first prong. The Al Qaeda organization has continuously planned attacks and bombings against the United States and other nations Their hostile, destructive and deadly nature is inherent in their beliefs, and Operation Geronimo was necessary to put an end to Osama Bin Laden's terrorist regime for the good of all humanity and to prevent further murders like those committed on that fateful day Even if one were to argue that Operation Geronimo occurred ten years after 9/11 and is not close enough to the initial armed attack, the point is moot because Osama Bin Laden was a constant threat after 9/11. 9/11 and Al-Qaeda carried out further plots and attacks against our nation for as long as it took to capture and kill him. Operation Geronimo took place on Pakistani soil without their government's knowledge or cooperation. Article 51 of the United Nations Charter states that “Nothing in the present Charter shall affect the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense in the event of an armed attack against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has adopted the measures necessary to maintain international peace and security” (https://www.un.org). Osama Bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan for years before his death, and Pakistan had a history with the United States of alerting to potential terrorist targets that the United States would attempt to capture. The success of this operation and the prevention of further mass American casualties depended on Pakistan not being aware of the operation. Despite arguments to the contrary, the United States' right to defend itself has trumped any diplomatic regulations and levels of courtesy that may generally be extended when entering an allied land to capture a target. In addition to meeting the legal requirements required for the force that was used, Operation Geronimo also met international requirements for the use of that force in self-defense: 1) necessity, 2) proportionality 3) distinction, and 4) humanity. Legality of the program/