THE defining moment for western people sick to the back teeth of al Qaida is where they were when Osama Bin Laden was shot.

But, thankful as most of us are for the elimination of a dangerous mass murderer, I have a grave reservation.

Executing Bin Laden in the dead of night made little sense.

Yes, the special forces personnel were able to sneak up on their target, but has the Pentagon actually shot itself in the foot?

Night-time is a special period in a Muslim’s daily life. In Islam, the moon is revered as the holiest object in the entire universe, and it is thought righteous for a Muslim to bathe himself in the ‘wise’ rays of the moon.

According to the archaeological record, the god Allah was a pagan deity identified exclusively with moon worship.

Hence the fact that crescent moon symbols are displayed throughout the Muslim world.

A Muslim is always very happy when he dies in the night – but martyrdom as well?

Because bin Laden was killed by his enemy under the guiding light of the moon, you can be sure that his followers all over the world will regard it as a mark of special honour, not to say a lucky omen.

Sadly it can only make al Qaida stronger.

Aled Jones, Bridlington.