Identifying the Enemy

The Politico reported today that intelligence officials met with Congress members at a classified meeting yesterday to discuss the bin Laden attack where it was revealed that bin Laden had 500 dollars in Euros and two phone numbers sewn in his clothing. The analysis concludes he expected to have warning of any attack with enough time to escape with a reasonable escape route. Not all the invited members heard this because they left early.

The focus of the article was on the suspicion of his assumed warning and what this implies about Pakistan. It seems to be believed that Pakistan has little concern about secrets or confidential information--perhaps as little as Congress. How could the information from a "classified meeting" be so available to the press and why would they print it?

It seems as if bin Laden was a burnt out threat--much like the dissipated "Jackal" when he was caught; the real significance is the information. It would be hoped that every available individual would be combing through the information retrieved and sending flint-eyed men out to discuss international terrorism intensely with the suspects. Any information that helps these sadistic killers make a good decision should be closely guarded. Having the congress reveal any information--and have the press print it--would be treason in any other place or time. But what can one expect from a group who were not interested enough to hear the whole story?

Then again, maybe there is no information and the announcement that there is a lot is nothing but a ruse to send the terrorists into early hidden retirement.