Science is capable of many things, but can it find a terrorist that no-one has ever been able to capture? Apparently, a geography professor in California, Thomas Gillespie, and his UCLA class think so. He claims they know where Osama Bin Laden, the most sought after criminal in the world, might be hiding. Utilizing techniques used to track endangered species and fugitives, he has settled on 3 different houses in Pakistan that are more than likely hiding Bin Laden.

He did this by

factoring in his [Bin Laden’s] need for security, electricity [for dialysis], high ceilings to accommodate his 6ft 4in frame and spare rooms for his bodyguards, the search can be further narrowed to three walled compounds.

According to island biogeographic theory animals and fugitives tend to move to areas that are closest to where they were last spotted, and that can best fulfill their needs. They are less likely to move further away, because the environment becomes less compatible with their needs.

They also believe that to remain anonymous, he would have chosen a relatively large town, with similarities to Afghani culture, so he can blend in more easily. Although, you would have to be pretty blind not to recognize his face.

Using their various methods, and satellite photos, they believe he is most likely in Parachinar, located in the North West region, 12 miles inside Pakistan. Apparently this is where the Afghani mujaheddin hung out when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. I’m sure there are many willing accomplices there, and it would make sense why it has been so challenging to find him.

However there are sceptics,

Kim Rossmo of Texas State University, who has worked with the military to find terrorists told USA Today: “The idea of identifying three buildings in a city of half a million especially one in a country the authors have likely never visited is somewhat overconfident.”

But it sure wouldn’t hurt to check it out.