bin Laden widows: The women could tell us how much Pakistan knew

ISLAMABAD — The United States wants access to Osama bin Laden's three widows and any intelligence material its commandos left behind at the al-Qaida leader's compound, a top American official said in comments broadcast Sunday that could add a fresh sticking point in already frayed ties with Pakistan.

Information from the women, who remained in the house after the commandos killed bin Laden, might answer questions about whether Pakistan harbored the al-Qaida chief as many American officials are speculating. It could also reveal details about the day-to-day life of bin Laden, his actions since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and the inner workings of al-Qaida.
The women, along with several children also picked up from the house, are believed to be in Pakistani army custody. A Pakistani army official declined to comment Sunday on the request, U.S. National Security Adviser Tom Donilon said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
The CIA and Pakistan's spy agency, known by the acronym ISI, have worked uneasily together in the past on counterterrorism, but the unilateral U.S. raid — done without Pakistan's advance knowledge — has exposed the deep mistrust that scars a complicated if vital partnership for both nations.
Earlier Sunday, witnesses said two loud explosions have rocked Abbottabad. The source of the blasts was not immediately clear. NBC News producer Carol Grisanti in Islamabad said the blast was not related to bin Laden. There had been speculation that authorities might demolish the compound try to stop the intense media attention on the town.
Widows could be leverage
Even before the May 1 raid, the ISI said it was cutting cooperation with CIA to protest drone strikes close to the Afghan border, among other things. In the current environment, Pakistan could use the fact it has something Washington wants — bin Laden's widows — as leverage to reduce some of the pressure it is under.
Bin Laden was found in a large house close to a military academy in the army town of Abbottabad where he had been living for up to six years. His location raised U.S. suspicions that he had help from some Pakistani authorities, possibly elements of the powerful army and intelligence services.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42948702/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia

It makes sense that these women could fill in some of the blanks, about what the Pakistan government knew.  My guess; our agents or military will never have the opportunity to speak with them.  Pakistan will do everything they can to prevent us from asking even one question.  The writing is on the wall.  If they don't release these women for questioning that will tell us everything we need to know.