December 27, 2001

THE NEW BIN LADEN VIDEO

THE NEW BIN LADEN VIDEO isn't even all that "new." It was recorded in early December, apparently. He seems a bit more wild-eyed, a bit more scattered, solitary rather than flanked by lieutenants, but there's really nothing new in the way of content either. Why "release" it now? Perhaps he's dead, and this "release" is an attempt to leave the impression that he's alive, but it's a pretty feeble one, since the tape was clearly recorded weeks ago. Even compared to the other OBL videos, it's pretty poor propaganda: he comes off as weak, pathetic, crazy. With the possible exception of the crazy part, I can't imagine anyone thinking this would play well in the "Arab street."

Posted by Dr. Frank at December 27, 2001 01:00 AM | TrackBack