The info when it comes to if Assad is helping the insurgents is mixed. It is clear foreign fighters are being allowed to come into the country, but from what I have heard there are signs some elements within Assad's regime are not supporting the insurgency and some that are. And, that most of those getting into Iraq are using routes that keep them under the protection of fundimentalist anti-Assad tribes, the picture is mixed.
One think I would like to find out is what was on Zarqawi's laptop. I have been told it had a massive hard drive and it was full of info about possible plans, where they get money, and alot of other crap. I also heard from one person that there were many more pictures of Zarqawi on his laptop (other then the 5 they released to CNN) and the pictures that haven't been released show he is a total "master of disguise" according to one article.
"And, that most of those getting into Iraq are using routes that keep them under the protection of fundimentalist anti-Assad tribes, the picture is mixed."
With you. Asad has nothing to gain by openly supporting the insurgency. To many paper and mouth trails if his regime was to be taken out. Everyone would say. Aha so he did what the Americans have been accusing him of for two years. What you suggest simply makes sense. And they easily can get help from Syrian police and military folks who have latitude in now they operate.
As for Abu. I can easily see him dress as a women, face made up to look like some old hag, with the black bag over him.
Surely he has not walked about freely for a very long time. After he had to run his ass off from his car under the bridge and take off leaving his last laptop, weapons etc., he must be scared shitless to move about except under heavy guard and in the dark. That is the only way a snake like that is going to not have an extra hole in his head. For all we know he may live in prearranged spider holes like the Butcher did. Not so easy to locate under the best conditions. And since his protectors are probably few in number and loyal, it is going to be hard to locate him. He could be sitting in some swank hotel in Yemen for all we know. A short hop via. southern Iran by a private plane.