So what's the alternative?
1. That he's alive, and is going to say "nuh uh!"
2. That he's captured and being detained
3. That he was dead a long time ago
I'd say that 2. is most likely, but with wikileaks and everything I'm not sure they would take that kind of chance..
I really don't know. If we were to assume the claims were untrue, any of these 3 alternatives could be possible. Though with his supposed health problems, (3) might be more likely.
I have some hope that the Pentagon will at least release pictures at some point.
I just have trouble believing that we would quickly discard the body of one of the most notorious terrorist leaders because of his religious beliefs. This gesture is too good to be true! But it is entirely possible that criticism has galvanized the military to be more respectful of terrorists, even of Osama bin Laden! I would have thought the military would bring his body back for third parties to verify.
Then they could bury him at sea. That's the responsible and scientific way to deal with someone so infamous.
If it's hoax, discarding the alleged evidence is a good way to prevent anyone from finding out.