Why America Still Can’t Find Osama bin Laden

Osama bin Laden, thought to be still alive and well, remains a dark spot on America's 'fight against terrorism' record. Officials from Pakistan and the United States seem certain that bin Laden has found strong support in areas of Northwestern Pakistan, a region that shares tribal associations with Afghanistan and where no Pakistani army had ever gone before December 2001. With a force of only 25,000 soldiers plus American counter-terrorism units, the search for bin Laden faces not only military, but also psychological obstacles. For many along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the only source of news is from terrorist propaganda and Islamist religious leaders, both spewing anti-American and anti-Jewish rhetoric. With such limited access to the outside world, it is fairly simple to manipulate people into supporting and hiding bin Laden's followers. Until bin Laden loses local favor—which could only happen if the anti-American sentiment diminishes—it will be almost impossible to find him. – YaleGlobal