The now-famous picture shows the president and his national security team watching the mission to kill Osama bin Laden unfold in real time. What insights can it give into the way such intelligence operations are conducted?
Obama
The president had just finished playing nine holes a few hours before, which is why he’s still in his golfing gear. Was he surprised by the timing of the operation, or was he hoping it might wrap up in time for him to play the back nine?
Medals
Brigadier General Marshall B “Brad” Webb, (seated next to Obama) Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command, since you ask, has got so many medals the whole array looks like a giant barcode. He probably gets charged for an extra 12-pack of Diet Sprite every time he walks past a scanner.
Pixellated pic
The White House pixellated this area of the photograph before issuing it. What could it be? If you screw up your eyes it looks like Donald Trump early in the morning, just before he starts combing.
Coffee cup
Look! In the situation room, even the paper cups have the presidential seal on them!
Hillary
While everyone else looks concerned, she looks alarmed and embarrassed. Has she just realised they’re watching a DVD of Saving Private Ryan? The bit of paper she’s holding reads “TOP SECRET CODEWORD NOFORN”, which may be why she’s covering it up with her Moleskin.
Guy behind Hillary
What’s Malcolm Tucker from The Thick of It doing there? Trust him to find a seat while Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, has to stand at the back.
Guy at the very back
Rule one of operational planning: get a situation room big enough to allow everyone a comfortable view of the actual situation. No one should have to peer over anyone’s shoulder. Or maybe he’s just there to deliver a pizza. – guardian.co.uk