Analysts: Tape suggests bin Laden hurt or dead

[charrison]

linkage

WASHINGTON -- After examining new video and audio tapes of Osama bin Laden that were broadcast last week, U.S. intelligence analysts have concluded that the fugitive al-Qaida leader is probably ill or injured and could be incapacitated or even dead.

Three administration officials, all speaking on the condition of anonymity because intelligence matters are classified, said the videotape, which showed bin Laden hiking in the mountains, could have been made up to two years ago and that an audio track of bin Laden speaking was recorded separately, also some time ago, and overlaid on the video. The only recent recording was a second audio track, recorded by bin Laden's top lieutenant, Ayman al Zawahri.

The two audio tracks, one of bin Laden and one of Zawahri, were recorded in different locations and are of very different technical quality, said one intelligence official, suggesting that the two top al-Qaida leaders are no longer together after years of being virtually inseparable.

The officials all cautioned that it's impossible to draw any firm conclusions from the tapes, but they said the new material has strengthened the belief that bin Laden is ailing and that Zawahri may now be running al-Qaida or preparing to succeed a weakened bin Laden.

 

[MovingTarget]

I can only hope that this theory is correct...

 

[bjc112]

I also am hoping.. Can't jump to conclusions yet.

They will get that bastard though. And Saddam will be next.

 

[BaliBabyDoc]

And this helps in what manner? Until you prove bin Laden is dead or hurt he remains a rallying point for Al Qaeda and their ilk. Furthermore, Zawahri is a pediatrician by training. No one understands how to be ruthless better than a pediatrician . . .

 

[CADsortaGUY]

Originally posted by: BaliBabyDoc
No one understands how to be ruthless better than a pediatrician . . .

Isn't Dean a doctor?

Dean is OBL's sidekick? :Q

j/k

CkG