Jackpot Fever Threatens Bin Laden

The Strategy Page ^ | 3/19/2010 | The Strategy Page

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Recently, U.S. UAVs made three attacks in one day in Pakistan’s tribal territories. The Hellfire missiles were hitting targets in North Waziristan, where Taliban and al Qaeda forces are taking shelter with Pushtun tribes that are, at best, neutral in the war between the Pakistani government and the Pakistani Taliban. One of the dead terrorists is believed to be a key leader, Hussein al-Yemeni. He was believed as the planner for the attack on a CIA base across the border last December, which killed seven CIA personnel. Pakistani and American intelligence is getting a lot more information out of North Waziristan, as the local tribal leaders are reluctant to go looking for informers, and tribesmen are less fearful about providing (for a fee) information. The tribal leaders fear that the army could still advance into North Waziristan, and after seeing how badly the Taliban were beaten in South Waziristan, and elsewhere in the tribal territories, they really want to avoid another round of fighting.

[john in springfield]

Such a large concentration of armed Arabs seems to indicate the presence of the top al Qaeda leaders (bin Laden and al Zawahiri). These guys don’t just have to fear the armed UAVs, but also local tribesmen who might decide they can get away (alive) with collecting the huge rewards (over $25 million each) for the top al Qaeda leaders. The problem with such rewards has been the difficulty of getting away alive, with your extended family, to collect the money. That would mean going into exile, and always living with the danger of some vengeful al Qaeda zealot coming after you. But al Qaeda doesn’t look as fearsome as it used to, nor does the Taliban. But there are still a lot of Pushtuns who honor the tribal code. Which requires guests to receive sanctuary. But the tribal code also encourages you to make yourself, and your family, rich.

I'd say $25 million would qualify for "rich."

[caww]

Might be obama is planning to bring in Ben Laden where it will bring him the most glory....I think we’ve had him for a very long time but would not reveal so as it would then give ME countries an excuse to tell us to get out ...pre-maturely.

[Recon Dad]

IMHO Ben Laden like a number of those captured recently will be found far from the border area.

You may be right in that they know where he's at and can't find a way to get to him without leveling everything near by. It's no good to Zero to come on the air and say we got Ben Laden if he has no proof.

[caww]

ATTENTION....11:00 MEETING AT THE ROTUNDA

For the first time in over 100 years...the purpose of this meeting is Republicans will be praying there....Demonstrators were also invited...and any democrates who want to come.

If you aren’t going to church maybe we should also pray with them at this time....I suspect it will be a moving moment in our History since God is the God of all History.

[Recon Dad]

I will be in church.

[tet68]

I think they should put it in terms that would be
more compatible to the area.

Turn in Osama and get 1500 lbs. of gold!

[Travis McGee]

An extended family could live pretty well in Argentina on 25 million.

[driftless2]

While I wouldn’t mind a Hellfire missiel blowing Osama to smithereens, the best picture would be one of him hanging at the end of rope like Saddam. And the photos dropped over large areas of the mideast.

[ASA Vet]