Osama Bin Laden returns

If part of his objective was to create another way to divide our country on an event, he's doing a very good job. How long will it take for the political spinsters to create media chaos on this one? I guess we'll be hearing more "Bush failed to catch bin Laden" and "Terrorists support Kerry" propaganda... : /

I guess we'll be hearing more "Bush failed to catch bin Laden" and "Terrorists support Kerry" propaganda

While I still wish Bush had not used Afghan proxies so much in the hunt for Osama, I understand completely that capturing/killing bin Laden isn't the end of the war on terrorism.

From what I understand, using the Afghans was the only logical choice. They know the rough terrain of the mountains better than any GI could have known and probably saved soldiers lives. Unbelievable to me why Kerry doesn't know this. Proves Kerry is nothing but a empty hat and liar.

ggray97

ditto, ditto.

But I liked the thought in the end of the article; look how far we've come in squashing this terrorism when we couldn't find the unibomber for 20 years HERE in the States.

I think it's significant the video doens't give hints to his whereabouts (could be a "hospital," a home, a school, a mosque), he's aged a bit by his looks, and he's not as fiery or as fierce as he was in the other videos. He was very adamant, demanding, and passionate in the past. Now he is more subdued, from the talk of the article, and not directly threatening.

Why isn't anyone talking about what he (Bin Laden) said? Are the Jews in this country that powerful that no one dare respond to the fact that we're in this mess because of our undying devotion to Israel. Are American's that naive or just afraid to ask what might happen if we refuse to take it up the proverbial ass anymore on their behalf. I don't like the idea of anyone other than American's dictating American policy, but will someone please explain why we need to give up so much for the sake of so few. Do all American's agree that we should die and live in fear to support another country's cause?

Do you know that we also give monetary aid to the Palestine government as well?

dolman -

I am not Jewish. Your comments are those of an uninformed bigot. That's the extent of the response you merit.

Cheers,
Daiwa

A few thoughts on this, for what they're worth.

The Kerry organs are (surprise) already spinning this as another reason to vote against Bush.

Their spin: Osama really wants Bush to be re-elected to keep him as the poster boy for terrorist recruitment efforts and he calculated that his appearance on tape 4 days before the election would boost Bush's campaign. Therefore, in order to decrease the terrorist threat, we should elect Kerry. Excuse me, I have a headache.

The NYT, in their front pager for tomorrow (already on the web) found it somehow important to note that bin Laden looked "vigorous and healthy."

OBL himself says our security has nothing to do with the election. He just thought 4 days before the election would be a good time to clarify that for us, I guess.

OBL apparently actually believes there are ears in this country sympathetic to his justification for the act of war he admits organizing and perpetrating against us, the cold-blooded murder of some 3000 innocent people, mostly Americans but from many other nations, as well, by the most horrific means imaginable. What further evidence of his reptilian insanity do we need?

However insane the bastard is, he is not stupid. Neither was Ted Kaczynski, who differs from OBL only in degree and sophistication. He released this tape at this time, on the heels of the tape released just 2 days before, for a very specific reason. He's never done anything without a specific reason. If his mere image and pathetic rantings on a video tape can influence the outcome of our election, we deserve whatever follows. If we allow the world and the terrorists to see that terrorism "works" as it did in Spain, we will never see the end of it or its threats.

Listening to Kerry today, trying to sound more hawkish than even Bush, just made me want to puke (Mikey Moore probably IS puking). I'd hope that at least he has painted himself into the corner of having to back up his rhetoric if he's elected, but his pattern of behavior gives me cold comfort. He may calculate that defeating the terrorist threat "isn't worth it" and leave the field to the terrorists to impose their will on the entire Middle East by force if they can. That brings us back to Israel, which would not sit idly while the US abdicated its duty - a nightmare scenario for sure.

Cheers,
Daiwa

Another thing Kerry said today caught my ear.

After spending the last 6 months wailing incessantly about how "never before has America been so divided" (ignoring a little skirmish we euphemistically call the Civil War), Kerry today said we are all "absolutely united" in our determination to go after the terrorists whereever they are hiding and to kill or capture them all, trying to suddenly out-Bush Bush. Osama serves up a hanging slider and Kerry swings for the fences. Batting practice folks, batting practice. How can Kerry be so sure it "would be worth it" after all?

Cheers,
Daiwa

I think it's significant the video doens't give hints to his whereabouts

Well here's one possibility (Intelligence trying to verify?)
Link

NEW DELHI, October 25: Fugitive Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has been spotted in the Tibet-Laddakh region, close to the North-Eastern tip of Pakistan, bordering India and China, Indian and US officials believe.

snip

And this seems to confirm it.
Link

The Government of India has not yet reacted to a Pakistani newspaper report quoting unnamed US intelligence sources as saying that the Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden had fled the Pak-Afghan border and entered the rugged terrain around the Sino-India border.

However, John Lehman (9/11 commision) claims the Pentagon knows exactly where Bin Laden is
Link

In Pakistan a US counter terrorism official says time is running out on Bin Laden
Link

"If he has a watch, he should be looking at it because the clock is ticking. He will be caught," Joseph Cofer Black, the U.S. State Department coordinator for counterterrorism, told private Geo television network.

Also, there are credible arguments that assert Bin Laden may be in Iran (much of his family and some of his buddies are).
Link

DUBAI, July 15 (AFP) - Hundreds of alleged members of Al-Qaeda, including 18 of its top leaders, and other terror groups are living in Iran, some under tight security, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported Thursday.

"More than 384 members of Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organisations are present in Iran, including 18 senior leaders of Osama bin Laden`s network," the London-based daily said, citing a senior source in the Iranian presidency.

snip

Bin-Laden , the bum, has endorsed kerry. He says if the American People re-elect Bush, he will hit us with another Manhattan. The gun is to our head. Do what Bin-Laden says are he promises- swears to Allah-- Doomsday for Americans. It's men or mice time. Vote Bush! Or else you'll be taking orders from the big, bad wolf.
For a real kick on how to capture Bin-Laden, the bum, check this out:
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/diplomacy.shtml

Bin-Laden , the bum, has endorsed kerry. He says if the American People re-elect Bush, he will hit us with another Manhattan. The gun is to our head. Do what Bin-Laden says are he promises- swears to Allah-- Doomsday for Americans. It's men or mice time. Vote Bush! Or else you'll be taking orders from the big, bad wolf.

thats such a totally irresponsible, innacurate and hysterical characterization of the taped message, it comes close to invalidating the draginol postulate regarding thinking on the right vs feeling on the left.

the man is not a fool.  anyone with any working knowledge of how americans think and react would be well aware that a slam from bin laden works to the benefit of the slammee.  conversely, if he really wanted kerry to lose, he would have endorsed him (despite your total miscomprehension of the translated transcription released so far, there's nothing even close to that nor any statement to the effect that reelecting bush will result in another 'manhattan').  

in a way, one thing bin laden says on that tape is very true.  we hold our security in our own hands.  what's not said is equally true: if we permit that tape to influence our votes, he's doing the same thing they did in spain only without the need for a bomb.

Kingbee:

I beg to differ: The man is not only a FOOL, but he is also a psychopath. Certifiable. You don't get it. Takes his words literary. He believes his words can assuage the sorrow that wounds the American heart. Convince us too reject Bush. Wake up! You would not ask the big, bad wolf for directions to grandma's house-- would you? Moreover, kerry's attacks against General Bush are grossly irresponsible.

kerry says we "outsourced" the job of capturing Bin Laden to "warlords." Again, kerry disparages allies. These so-called warlords saved my ass several times. kerry's revisionist histrionics as to what occurred at Tora Bora is flatly contradicted by General Tommy Franks. Who do you believe? Interestingly, both kerry & Bin Laden are offering America a fresh start; provided we Americans do not re-elect President Bush. kerry & Bin Laden seem to be making overtures... a new era of detente?

kerry is an arm chair general, who huffs & puffs, but who won't blow the house of terrorism down.
Bin Laden also ripped a page right out mike moore's 911 lie. He disparages & blames the Pres. for reading to children while the attacks were underway. He cites this as the cause for the 3,000 dead. Translation: It's America's fault that the buildings got in the way of the path of the planes mindset. You know, the blame America first crowd. Mr. Bin Laden, you bum, every one knows that the cool, calm & collected always win in a gun fight. I'd relish the opportunity of demonstrating this principle to you, or anyone of your minions. Caesar would admonish his generals: less haste, more speed. The piano wire will soon be wrapped around your ankles, Bin Laden. Get ready to enjoy the inverted view. As my ancestors fondly would say: Vendetta is a dish best served cold. Be seeing you real soon.

For a real kick on how to capture Bin Laden... check this out: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/diplomacy.shtml

The one reason we are in the area is OIL! Our economy is predicated on energy and many of our military and political problems in the area are because we are dependent on the energy they have in that region. The Bush energy policy was a give away to the mature energy companies and not one that would help free us from the need for the oil in that area.

WE need to improve mileage of our cars, trucks and SUV's.

We need to use the available coal in a nonpoluting way to buy the time to develop other forms of energy.

We need to move forward with other energy forms ASAP.

Read the chapter on Energy in," Four More For George W?" Go to amazon.com for reader comments

Col Gene:

I agree wholeheartedly. Oil is a plague. We need an alternative to fuel our economy. But many of the same liberals who pay lip service to finding alternative sources of fuel are also the very same people I see driving SUV's. Sacrifice is not something they understand. All they know how to do is point the finger of blame. They demand instant solutions; they demand magic wand miracles, while offering nothing of substance. Poverty exist. Answer: tax the rich. Drugs in Canada are cheaper than in America: the Canadian government has a supply of drugs that would only satisfy 2% of American demand. Moreover, America's free market drives pharmaceutical R& D. Etc... It's easy to criticize. That's a free ride! No?

While I still wish Bush had not used Afghan proxies so much in the hunt for Osama, I understand completely that capturing/killing bin Laden isn't the end of the war on terrorism.

The russians spent years in those mountains for nothing.  With our 'inept proxies' we cleaned it out in days.  While it is always nice to have the finger on the button, the simple fact is we did learn from the Russians, and we used that knowledge to good use.

at least your last statement shows some insight.

thats such a totally irresponsible, innacurate and hysterical characterization of the taped message, it comes close to invalidating the draginol postulate regarding thinking on the right vs feeling on the left.

Only to one who is so blind that they cannot see.  But I like your post.  It means the Kerrites are scared.  Good.  Cause if he was to be elected, the rest of us would be very scared.

anyone with any working knowledge of how americans think and react would be well aware that a slam from bin laden works to the benefit of the slammee

That is your achillees heel.  He sees america through Clinton's eyes, not Bush's.  And that is shyw he thinks he can get away with it.  Will he?  Only liberals will live to regret it.  Sane people will not vote for Skerry.

I beg to differ: The man is not only a FOOL, but he is also a psychopath. Certifiable. You don't get it. Takes his words literary. He believes his words can assuage the sorrow that wounds the American heart. Convince us too reject Bush. Wake up! You would not ask the big, bad wolf for directions to grandma's house-- would you? Moreover, kerry's attacks against General Bush are grossly irresponsible.

You know what scares me?  People believe OSL!  And Americans at that!  i can understand the Europeans.  They are so tired of war, they will roll over and lick their ass if someone tells them to just to avoid it.  But Americans?  We were hit.

But we will be again.  For we, or at least half of us, have already forgotten 9/11.  or they blame us for it.

Whatever.  The entire nation will lose to their myopia.  After the next time, will we learn?  Not if Kerry is elected, for that will show them we cant learn, and we will be fresh meat on their warped table.

Since 1987, the US congress has annually been approving a foreign aid bill totaling an average of $3 billion of American taxpayers' money to Israel, $1.2 billion in economical aid, and $1.8 billion in military aid.
After the gulf war in 1991, the US has additionally been offering Israel $2 billion annually in federal loan guarantees, which brings the total US foreign aid to Israel to about $5 billion, or $13.7 million per day.
Other forms of aid to Israel are a result of "consequential" aid, such as the approximate $1.5 billion in total tax-deductible private donations from numerous Jewish charities and individual donors. "Consequential" aid to Israel adds up to an approximate $8 billion in total US foreign aid to Israel. All in all, this is the largest amount of foreign aid given to a country, and constitutes over 30% of the total amount of US foreign aid budget.

Did you know the US also gives monetary aid to Palestine?

thanks for the link.  id pretty much decided the osama tape is a hoax of some type before i checked it out.  worth reading the entire scroll if for nothing else than to see im not alone in that opinion.

Risernod - maybe you should point out that the sun rises in the east.

If you think we need to be convinced of the fact that, yes, the US gives a great deal of financial aid to Israel, you're sadly mistaken - this is common knowledge.

Maybe you would care to illustrate how that aid is in any way relevant to this discussion?

If, during World War 2, Adolf Hitler had justified his belligerence towards the Allies by saying 'the Jewish lobby in Allied countries gives money to the Jewish untermensch and helps them oppress the Aryan race', would you argue that aid to the Jews be stopped to pacify the Nazis?

Are you assuming everyone here has quaffed the same 'Free Palestine' Kool-Aid as you? You're sadly mistaken. Jews are NOT oppressing the poor, defensless Arabs. Israel is a tiny country in the middle of a large, hostile region devoid of anything resembling a modern, pluralistic political culture. They've been attacked by their neighbors several times, and none of them would recognize the 1948 borders and Israel's right to exist. They are being forced to deal with Yasser Arafat (an Egyptian), who responded to an offer of statehood from Ehud Barak by declaring the intifada. They have to face religious, racist fanatics strapping bombs to themselves and blowing up buses, pizza parlors, movie theaters and nightclubs.

Israel is to the Arab nations what Tibet is to the Chinese - but since Israel fought back and won (and is filled with Jews), and Buddhism is more in vogue than Judaism, the enlightened folks of the world root for the racist, intolerant, backwards religious nutjobs.

I put it there because there are lots of Americans who don't know the extent of our "gratitude". There are some here in this country naive enough to believe that Muslims hate freedom and don't like us because we drive expensive cars. What bothers me is that each Israeli gets more from my government than I do. It bothers me that people believe the Israeli's are the victim's when they are the one's with jets and tanks and the agenda to return to the land promised to them by "their" religion. Ooops, there happens to be a million and half "nutjobs" living in their way (or at least trying). Israel doesn't want peace, at least not yet. The longer this ordeal goes on, the longer they have to build walls and take something that doesn't belong to them. I'd be a bit upset too if heard or saw an Israeli soldier empty is machine gun in a 13 year old girl who happened to wonder into the wrong place at the wrong time. What bothers me is that no American politician lasts a week if he even considers standing up to 2nd strongest lobby in the U.S. Pretend like you know the answer - you don't. I know Arabs and they all see right through the hypocrisy. That's why they hate us. Because we say we want to help, but we only help one side, and we help them a lot.