Problem is that it would have probably seemed harmless to the reporter and his editor. I think it was done as an attempt at wry humour (hence the ref to short haircuts, etc).
Wry humour, though, is not news. If the occupants of the Twotter had left the aircraft clutching the head of old Bin Liner or one of his henchmen, then it would have been. As they weren't, what was the point? The only people the item could have been of real interest to would be al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
I'm not sure that I agree that it was treason, though. That implies careful planning and intent. Spectacularly irresponsible incompetence, on the other hand...
[edited for spleling mistaikes]
[ 06 November 2001: Message edited by: Archimedes ]