4) To scam the terrorist into thinking that he is still alive and then replace him with our guys.
We could be running AQ into the ground through one of the all time great CIA stings. The president has to continue with the "OBL is still alive" line until we completely destroy them.
I bet that is what is going on, but he cannot say anything. This has got to be driving Bush nuts. Just imagine how Bush could smoke Kerry with all his "where is OBL, we outsourced our work, etc". I would love it. However, I know I am fantasizing.
So we have a phony OBL... LOL ... I just hope the fake beard trick works!