WITH so much cynicism surrounding the killing of Osama bin Laden by American special forces, it must have been tempting for Barack Obama to publish photographic evidence of the terrorist mastermind’s body.

But the US President is right not to do so.

We have already praised Mr Obama for displaying great skill in finding the right balance since the assassination of the al Qaeda leader, and the president continues to find a dignified path.

A strong message has been sent to the world that the fight against terror remains undiminished.

But there has been no overblown sense of gloating that would almost certainly have come from Mr Obama’s more gung-ho predecessor.

The world’s media craves photographic confirmation that bin Laden is dead, as do many American citizens.

But there is no need.

Publication of the picture would be unnecessarily provocative at a time of high tension.

And anyone who continues to doubt that bin Laden is dead should wonder why he has not yet appeared on video to claim a major propaganda victory.

We have no doubt that the killing took place and support Mr Obama’s response to the clamour for photographic proof as well as his determination not to politicise yesterday’s visit to Ground Zero.

He has had his disappointments, but these are good days for the American president who was elected on such a wave of optimism.