Proof Of Life

Nobody seems to know if the Pakistanis have actually captured American-born Al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn or what.

The U.S. hasn’t confirmed the arrest of Adam Gadahn, the U.S.-born spokesman for the al-Qaeda terrorist network, Federal Bureau of Investigation spokesman William Carter said.


The FBI is getting reports of an individual “with a similar-sounding name,” Carter said in an e-mail. “However, we are checking with Pakistani authorities to confirm one way or the other.”

Pakistani intelligence officers arrested Gadahn in Karachi, the Associated Press reported, citing two Pakistani officers who participated in the operation and a government official. Gadahn also goes by the aliases of Yahya Majadin Adams and Azzam al- Amriki, AP said.

Gadahn in 2006 became the first American to be charged with treason since the World War II era, according to the Justice Department. Authorities announced a $1 million reward for information leading to Gadahn’s arrest or conviction when announcing his indictment four years ago. The charge of treason carries a maximum penalty of death. 

So he is, he's not, we don't know.  Doesn't look particularly good for whoever in the Obama administration leaked this without confirmation to the AP, and it especially doesn't look good for our Pakistani "allies".  The AP should probably have checked a little harder for confirmation itself, but that's how leaks work.