[PieterCasparzen]

But no one in charge could think their way out of the fubar.

Actually, the Sec Def or Sec State do not individually come up with plans by themselves.

They would simply say "Yes", i.e., give the order to their respective staffs to do what they do.

The President would only hae to do the same thing, just say "Yes", try to get them out.

From there, they would only watch and have to perhaps authorize other things from time to time.

The President and Cabinet-level people do not have to come up with tactical plans.

In order to start the process however, since it would involve things like going into another nation's airspace, etc., it must first get that initial "Yes" authorization, from a person authorized to give it. I would assume in this case that they would need the President to say "Yes", the same as the UBL kill. From there the senior people just watch the movie.

[Uncle Miltie]

Maybe 0bama couldn’t say “Yes” because Valerie Jarrett hadn’t approved.