The new audiotape believed to be from Osama bin Laden seeks to widen the gap between the Western and Islamic worlds by emphasizing America’s differences with Muslims. It seems to be the same tape, which was released last week by the Arab al-Jazeera television, and has now been posted on various Muslim Web sites. Since Islamic news outlets like Al-Ansaar and Waaqiah put the tape on their sites, several newspapers in the Middle East also have published key aspects of this 53-minute tirade, giving the al Qaida leader an opportunity to spread his hate message. Apparently, bin Laden and his lieutenants who prepared the tape were also aware of the immense propaganda value of such a broadcast. They carefully crafted their message, seeking to exploit sensitive issues bothering the Islamic world. Perhaps that’s why throughout the message the voice identified as bin Laden’s keeps referring to a possible U.S. military action against Iraq, an issue that is debated in every Muslim household from North America to the Far East. Full Story
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