NR: "...a reflection of
part of the great debate at the very heart of al
Qaeda's theology."
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Length: 2:40
LARGE (37.2 MB)
-----
SMALL (3.2 MB)
Don Lemon talks to Michael about the latest
audiotape from Osama bin Laden (although he seems
to forget that anchors ask the questions and the
guest/expert answers them... no fair reading the
notes!)
DON LEMON:
But we start with breaking news about the world's
most wanted man. Osama bin Laden is supposedly back
with a new message, this time accusing Israel of a
Holocaust.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OSAMA BIN LADEN, AL QAEDA LEADER (through
translator): The Holocaust of Gaza in the midst of
this long siege is an important and historic event,
an articulate tragedy which affirms the need for
detachment of the Muslims from the hypocrites. It is
not right that our condition after what happened in
Gaza be like our condition prior to it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEMON: CNN international correspondent Michael Ware
joins us now. Michael, the al Qaeda leader's
condemnation towards Israel is posted on an Islamic
website.
MICHAEL WARE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's
right, Don. And in many ways, in terms of Jihadi
rhetoric and propaganda, this is a no-brainer by
Osama bin Laden. The issue of Palestine clearly at
the heart of much of the Islamic militarism that we
see in the Middle East, and of course Israel being
the primary target for all of these militants.
Now, some things to note, however, is that firstly,
we're hearing from Osama again. Yet another reminder
that he's still out there.
Also, we see that al Sahab, the al Qaeda media
production company, is maintaining its track record
of some sophistication. We see that the statement is
being released with English and Arabic transcripts,
and with English subtitles. We haven't had to
subtitle that. They've done that for us. So it's also
a message to the west. We don't see Osama. But then
again, why would he have to reveal his hand?
LEMON: Michael, speaking of the west, during the
half-hour recording he also condemns what he calls
the moderate Arab countries who allow the U.S. to
maintain influence in the Middle East.
WARE: Perfect point on that. That was just what I was
about to come to. This, again, is a reflection of
part of the great debate at the very heart of al
Qaeda's theology. Now in terms of al Qaeda's Jihad or
holy war, there are two tracks, among many. But
primarily, it's the near enemy versus the far enemy.
On 9/11, we saw an attack on the far enemy.
But for Osama, from the classic old school of al
Qaeda, one of the main enemies should be these Arab
states that are seen as apostates, or unbelievers who
have betrayed Islam, and who are assisting either
America or Israel, either in act or omission. So, in
many ways, that kind of targeting of Egypt and the
other Arab states is classic al Qaeda doctrine.
LEMON: CNN international correspondent Michael Ware,
we appreciate you for joining us now.