"Bin Laden is still dead. Perhaps we can find some bits of bone in the moountains and display triumphantly the DNA report."
I thought that for months, now I don't believe it. I think he is in fact still alive and in hiding somewhere along the Afghan / Paki border as suggested. Primarily based on the last two tapes verified (as well as can be given the techonology) where he cited relatively recent events during his rants.
Personally, I'd like to see Bush walk into the debates with bin Laden's head in a pickle jar, sit it on the podium, and say to Kerry "Would you like to comment?"....(grin)
I remember reports in the Indian and Chinese press the December following the invasion that 1 or 2 of OBL's bodyguards had done him in and were immediately killed by other guards. Sheik Omar was apparently hit, also. Neither has been concretely seen or heard from again.
The pattern has been for a tape to come out and first reports are that is real followed by reports that the quality is too poor to verify with confidence. Then after an interval the government spokesmen simply act as though the verification was good. I believe it is in the government's interest to let OBL be alive, much more early on than now.
If it were allowed that OBL was killed then the left in the US would have been immediately in full cry that The War Is Over and we have to Bring The Boys Home and cut off funding and stuff. OBL dead or alive, this war will not be over for a long time. OBL does America more good alive than dead.
Even now if OBL is known to be captured or killed there will be a loud cry to end the war and Kerry would get the boost. If he is confirmed dead or even taken alive it will be much better for W if it is in the last 2 weeks before the election before the left has time to get it together.
And Kerry wouold say HOORAY! THE WAR IS OVER! Now elect me and I will Bring The Boys Home.
We can let him be dead after Iraq is secured and Iran is collapsing.