I am not accusing anyone of spreading secret military information, except the military itself. It is obvious that all this information (this is only the most recent example--remember the announcement of a "spring offensive?") is, as you point out, being released with the full knowledge and approval of the Defense Department.

That's what I find puzzling. The military is the one telegraphing its own punches. If bin Laden was really sneaking into Afghanistan--and I'm still not convinced he's alive--why tell the world you know about it and warn him? It would almost be a lot easier to explain if some Daniel Ellsberg type was releasing secret papers.

My best guess is that they are using these press releases to literally herd the terrorists, or in some way control their behavior. "bin Laden seen in village X!" "bin Laden nearly captured in Village Y!" I have no better ideas.