Bin Laden tape urges U.S. To embrace Islam
Six years after orchestrating the deadliest terrorist attacks in U.S. history, Osama bin Laden resurfaced yesterday in a videotape in which he brags about altering the course of U.S. history and warns that the only way to end the war in Iraq is for Americans to convert to Islam.The 25-minute message marked the first time in three years that bin Laden has been seen, dispelling rumours of his death and heightening anxiety as Americans prepare to remember the more than 2,800 people murdered in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
The video opens with bin Laden, speaking in Arabic, praising Allah and his law of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth and the killer is killed.”
Bin Laden makes no direct threat against the United States and Bush administration officials said they have no evidence that al-Qaeda is planning an imminent attack.
Still, Michael Hayden, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, said it’s clear al-Qaeda has regained strength.
“Al-Qaeda is focusing on targets that would produce mass casualties, dramatic destruction and significant economic aftershocks,” he said.
For now, on the eve of the 9-/11 anniversary, bin Laden’s video seems aimed at putting the United States on edge.
“There are two solutions to stopping [the Iraq war],” he says. “One is from our side, and it is to escalate the fighting and killing against you. This is our duty, and our brothers are carrying it out.
“The second solution is from your side. I invite you to embrace Islam.”
The al-Qaeda leader last appeared in a videotape just before the 2004 presidential election and his appearance has changed dramatically. His beard, once long and flecked with grey, has been trimmed and dyed to create a more youthful look.
The new video contains references to events that occurred as recently as July.
White House officials dismissed the videotape as terrorist propaganda. “I just think people have got to be clear that we’re being manipulated every time that they issue a statement, because they’re trying to use the media as a way to terrorize us,” said Frances Townsend, President George W. Bush’s homeland security advisor.
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