>I still think that the use of "war" in this context is actually attributing a status to bin Laden

... when all he is, is a SUSPECT. Not the slightest bit of evidence has been brought against this man. He may not be a saint, but then our southern friend Bush will hardly go down in history as a second Ghandi. Blame must always be attributed to someone, anyone... it must, in the public's eyes, become a struggle between 'good' and 'evil', then the war can begin.
If there isn't enough to hold against those targeted, then that can quickly be changed:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/jointchiefs_010501.html

I guess if all wage war in the name of God, then all will be together in hell.