Peter Bergen
CNN National Security Analyst
Less than a day after Republican presidential candidate John McCain promised that if he won the presidency Osama bin Laden would be captured or killed by 2013, a message from al Qaeda’s leader appeared on jihadist websites reminding the world that he is alive and well.
Bin Laden’s audiotape message commented on the recent 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel; promised that he would fight for the liberation of Palestine, and told his Muslim listeners that they have a duty to help in that effort.
Was the audiotape an attempt by bin Laden to remain relevant by pushing on the issue that remains a hot button for most Muslims? After 9/11 some commentators said that the Palestinian issue was something that bin Laden had recently adopted in order to appeal to a wide range of Muslims. This is false.
When al Qaeda’s leader declared war on the United States publicly for the first time in August 1996
part of his rationale concerned the Palestinian issue:
Keep reading
A behind the scenes look at “Anderson Cooper 360°” and the stories it covers, written by Anderson Cooper and the show’s correspondents and producers. Insight you can’t find anywhere else.
For more details, read our tips on how to win 360° approval for comments.
Send your instant feedback to Anderson Cooper 360°.
- Calling all aliens
- One nation indivisible, one town torn in two
- Mumbai inspired by al Qaeda?
- It’s the recession, stupid.
- Hillary Clinton Champions Women’s Health Worldwide
- Crime Blotter:Thanksgiving murder; attempted abduction
- Why Bill Clinton is smiling
- Robert Gates: Wrong man for the job
- Is Obama the man we thought?
- Meltdown Warnings Ignored?
