So here is a hypothetical scenario.... rough draft mind you...
> You as the president, and certain select few of your cabinet, know that OBL is dead.
> Some select few at the CIA also know, but most don't... in fact the vast majority of the U.S. Intel community doesn't know...
> Some of the ones that don't know continue to look for him, no worries... they will never find him... right?
> Then these people (or person) get what appears to be actionable intelligence that OBL is living in a particular compound in Pakistan. Keep in mind this actionable intelligence is coming from a guy "we" tortured for years, who will likely say anything to stop the torture. This guy might even think he is telling you the truth.
> This information, actionable intelligence, is reported up the chain with a request that there be a capture/kill operation.
> Now, everyone... literally the whole country thinks OBL is still alive.
> You are up for election... soon.
> Do you ignore the request, and run the risk that that becomes public knowledge and could tank your re-election campaign.
> Or do you publicize that OBL was killed 8 years ago?
>>>> Or do you authorize the mission?
After all the target, while not actually OBL, is likely one of his equally guilty henchmen... and the opportunity for gathering intelligence is actually well above the average operation.
What to do... what to do...