Al Qaeda's Big Boast - New York Times

Al Qaeda's Big Boast - New York Times

‘”Had Americans instead listened with the ears of those for whom the message was intended - Muslims around the world - they would have heard something very different. Instead of a weak Osama bin Laden, they would have heard a magnanimous one who could offer a truce because "the war in Iraq is raging, and the operations in Afghanistan are on the rise in our favor."’

Osama is weak, and slim supply of audio or video propaganda from him is a portion of that reality. This war has never been just about this one man, although many want it to be. Every move anyone makes has consequences, and that includes the moves our country has made. The fat lady is still in rehearsal doing her scales and will be for some time.

I certainly hear where the authors are coming from, but I also feel that their opinion that we all missed the message behind Osama’s recent audiotape over-simplifies the whole picture. It is as if they have held their breath for the past few years with the hope or expectation that one of the predictions based on Bush’s actions would create more jihadists; they can now reveal their wisdom. I don’t see any answers here, only that it isn’t working and the message is not reaching the Muslim audience.

Unfortunately, al jazeera releases these types of materials; so we can’t do anything about that. Another point that they seem to miss is that quite a few people in the U.S. don’t get it either, so must continually be reminded.

I feel that in the beginning there were many things predicted that haven’t come to fruition, however, that does not mean they won’t, there is nothing simple about what is going on. It is only the statements and/or opinions that tend to be simplistic, including the remarks of the authors of this editorial. I hope their book will prove more compelling.