Was this Really Obama's Military Victory?

Regarding the rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips, did Obama act boldly or did he engage in CYA, doing what his lawyers told him to do?

BLACKFIVE explains:

[Obama] did affirm the military's authorization to use force if the captain's life was in danger, but they already would have had that authorization as part of their standard rules of engagement. If there are innocents about to be slaughtered the same reasoning that authorizes self defense also covers an imminent execution unless the ROE specifically forbid it.The AP is making it sound like there was an active rescue ordered by the President. It was not, there was an imminent threat and the local commander gave the order to fire. Good on Obama for ensuring their authorization was clear, but let's also be clear that he did not authorize or order an active rescue attempt.

From Politico:

Obama's involvement in the decision to authorize lethal force was legally required, officials said, because it was a hostage situation, not combat, and unrelated to the already authorized U.S. effort against Al Qaeda and other terror groups, officials said.

“It’s not a combat operation, so the lawyers wanted to ensure this was done right," said a second defense official.

...A timeline provided by the White House showed he issued the orders to use force at 8 p.m. Friday, and again at 9:20 a.m. Saturday, after new Navy forces moved on to the scene. In both cases, he was first briefed by the National Security Council for an update on the situation.

So while Capt. Richards was being held hostage by pirates threatening to kill him, Obama was talking to his lawyers and signing two separate documents to ensure that the rescue was "done right."

Check with the lawyers. Always check with the lawyers. CYA.

Thank God the Navy snipers performed so magnificently.

They were successful in shooting the three pirates in the head simultaneously, killing them, and freeing Richards. Their skill is incredible.

While Obama was talking with his lawyers, the military stood ready to act. Thank God for our military.