Summary re rescue orders

UPDATE: Here's another view:

http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-story-of-a-successful-rescue-and-obamas-attempt-to-claim-credit/2/

He needs to update some details (he has Phillips jumping a second time) but he has the important points.

I've seen one entry from a reliable person (wbboei) saying that a Navy Seal went on CNN (anonymously) and shamed Obama into supporting action. 

Blackfive.net's take seems very likely: standing orders permitted shooting the captors when the hostage was in 'imminent danger'. This occurred, with a clear shot at all the pirates, on Sunday morning, so the snipers took action. "This was not a rescue attempt ordered by National Command Authority i.e. the President. It was a reaction by the on scene commander under standard authority to safeguard the life of a hostage."

Larry Johnson at noquarterusa.net has good info about teh standard operating procedure, what authorizations are required by what agencies, etc. Aiui, there are several stages of SOP and the President has to sign more than one of them. -- Johnson praised Obama for keeping quiet publically and privately signing what the military put in front of him, but sfaik it didn't add up to Obama being really supportive or encouraging on actual action.

Links and details are in my recent posts.