Who2 Editorial Blog
Notes and Commentary from the Editors
Sunday, September 09, 2007
'Blackbeard' Bin Laden
The BBC has transcript excerpts from the latest Osama Bin Laden video.In the reading-the-tea-leaves department, Bin Laden's (seemingly) dyed beard has spawned all kinds of theories. Reuters says he's trying to present himself as a "new, mature figure" and religious leader. The Daily Times of Pakistan says it may be a sign of war.
Independent.ie can't resist weighing in with Wanted, Dyed or Alive. And The Independent (the U.K. version) thinks the whole thing may be phony.
Surprisingly, a Google News search shows nobody comparing Bin Laden to Blackbeard the Pirate. Shouldn't the famous headline writers of the New York Post be on this? Their current efforts are a bit weak.
Posted by Mr. Holznagel at 7:40 AM 
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1 Comments:
New Osama video seems yet another forgery. Everyone needs Osama alive:
terrorists as symbolic leader and the US Administration - to avoid
scaling down the war on terror.
Obadiah Shoher rightly notes (
http://www.samsonblinded.org/news/osama-commemorates-911-1114 ) that
new Osama talks like a leftist university professor. I like Shoher's
analysis. No way a terrorist leader like Osama would use a speechwriter. Osama is famous
for his rhetoric.
Also, in the tape Osama both threatens America with attack (by
"proving" Americans polytheists) and offers (yet another time)
long-term coaching in Islam.
But his dyed beard makes me cautious. Islam's mujahedeen dye their
beards before battle.
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