In 10 years, you will still be claiming he is alive. The longer we don’t see any videos, the more apparent it is that he is dead.
Videos that make it to the MSM are meaningless (and just because one hasn't made it to the MSM doesn't mean it doesn't exist??? - Zarqawi released two that were for internal use only....that we nabbed).
The releasing of a video by UBL simply for the sake of doing so brings nothing in terms of tactical or strategic benefits....at the cost / risk of huge liabilities to him.
The last time an event of magnitude came up (04 Presidential election) UBL took the risk to release a vid tape to the MSM.
Zawahiri has accepted that role - Of tactical messenger for AQ - Why? Who cares. We need not waste our time worry about that....
As I said.....Under your theory, Zarqawi didn't exist in Iraq (which some in the MSM were whispering and a whole segment of the left believed) simply because there wasn't any silly videos of him showing himself..... Then we killed him!
Whens the last video we have seen of Mullah Omar? Is he dead? He is the leader of the Taliban (has more influence with the Taliban then UBL ever did). If the releasing of a video was of such importance to rally their cause....Surly he would see the need in putting one out. He hasn't. Becaus such a train of thought is flawed and comes from a Western type mentality.
We have guys risking all 24/7 in some of the most rugged and dangerous terrain on this earth. The least we should give them is the acknoweldgement that they know who they are hunting.....And such warriors have been told in no uncertain terms that UBL remains alive.
Anyone that knows how to read between the lines....Can see when the WH became aware of this reality. It was mid-2002 that definite Intel of his existence was gathered via HUMINT or SIGINT.......I'll leave it there...