I agree, on every point. The reference I cited goes into detail on this issue of taking cash from both sides, but I didn't quote it as the post was already running long, and because it is a side issue.
If the warlords were the only sources placing Bin Laden at Tora Bora right up till the end of November, then their credibility would be an issue.
But with other sources saying the same thing, including reporters in Pakistan, Al Qaeda's cook, and both British and US intelligence, there doesn't seem to be a need to question the credibility of two out of the several sources.
Bin Laden isn't likely to throw his troops away. While his escape might preceed theirs by a few days or even a few weeks, he will be looking to get them disengaged and out of there as soon as possible, after he is safe, to preserve them for future use. The longer the enemy continues fighting hard in the Shakai, the more convinced I am that both Bin Laden and Zawahiri are still close by.
So am I.
He is there....I just know it.
Agree with this sediment - Though, the frustrating notion of him having slipped off into Iran does bother me (considering we don't have the number of sources within Iran which could tip us off to confirm this possibility)
I know Moonsor (sp) has been saying this now for 9 months (he's in Iran) - but Moonsor has been saying lots of junk that never comes true as well-