If a satellite can read a license plate.....

[spaceCADETzoom]

Not sure if it was reported in the states but over here a few months ago there was a report that French special forces in Afganistan were within a couple of hundred yards of Osama twice and asked the American commander for permission to shoot but it was denied both times. Obviously you never know how true this is but it was a reputable news paper not a tabloid.

If true, that's more a comment on bureaucracy than a sign of Americans not wanting to get him. I'm a combat arms Soldier...not a mere trigger puller, but a commissioned officer, even... You practically need a lawyer present to let my joes fire. You're looking at a VERY big deal if you're talking about firing main gun rounds downrange. I'm not griping. It's the nature of the beast. Can't have it both ways.

Oh, and re: us not looking. Your tinfoil hat is on too tight. I thought this thread was a joke thread. BUt if you're honestly asking why sats can't find OBL but can read plates....why don't you ask why satellites can't find YOUR plates at any given moment. Uh...maybe because the world is...big? Unless you think the govt has an army of topographic analysts combing every square inch of the planet with magic satellites....turning over each rock...

This is coming from a staunch liberal who, ironic in light of profession (or rather BECAUSE OF), is seriously distrustful of government.