However it is less believable to me that he would get up from the computer or let ZM sit down at it while he is logged into an email account.
I would think that he would log out before he lets the other "student" sit down.
Maybe the computer saved his password, but I doubt it.
And he just happens to end up with what the #3 guy of AQ in Iraq. He didn't get caught by other guys, instead he gets caught by this guy.
After not having taken what a free flight home?
Carrying books that were suspicious.
A communications, specialist, possibly radio signal specialist.
Though weighing in his favor is his prior interest and experience in communications which would lead me to believe he wasn't a John Lindh or an Akhbar.
Still I don't tend to believe so much in coincidence.
Also he looks very different in different pictures. His hair even goes from blonde to brown in the pictures.