Posted on 01/20/2006 1:57:29 PM PST by Jim Robinson
The audiotapes of OSAMA BIN LADEN have become an important medium between AL-QAEDA network and the outside world. If authentic, these tapes could enable BIN LADEN to convey his opinions to his enemies and followers, issue threats and even claim responsibility for terror attacks carried out by his group. It is obvious that the usefulness of such tapes cannot be questioned, but how can people be sure of their origin and authenticity? Little time is dedicated to such examinations. But an analysis can really influence the way we judge similar evidence in the future.
There is no reason whatsoever to believe that these audiotapes are authentic. While they are always followed by reports of scientific voice analyses, these studies have been invariably done by CIA experts. In fact, only one occasion was an independent analysis done. And while American officials were certain of the tape’s authenticity, Swedish scientists were convinced that it was fake.
Consider yesterday’s audiotape, in which BIN LADEN warned that AL-QAEDA is planning new attacks against the United States, but offered a conditional “long-term truce”, which the White House rejected. Hours after the tape's release, CIA officials said it is a “genuine message” from BIN LADEN. “Following a technical analysis, the voice on the tape is believed to be that of OSAMA BIN LADEN,” said a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) official. On the other hand, several experts doubted the tape's authenticity. “It was like a voice from the grave“, said Bruce Lawrence, a Duke professor, who analyzed more than 20 complete speeches and interviews of the AL-QAEDA chief for his recent book “Messages to the World: The Statements of OSAMA BIN LADEN.”
(Excerpt) Read more at aljazeera.com ...
Wouldn't surprise me if it's a fake. But I don't think it really matters.
Very interesting take from Al-Jazzy.
I dunno, but I'm sure AlJ could tell us for certain.
You hang out at some weird websites, dude.
As I read the article, either the tapes are faked by the Bush Administration to help his domestic standing, or they're real and we're losing. But probably the former.
You're right. Got it via email from Google news alert. LOL
That prompted a Letter to the Bee as follows...
I just read the AP translated text of Bin Laden's recently released audio tape (ModBee pg A4-5).
It appears that Bin Laden is on the DNC's mailing list. His rhetoric sounds just like the talking points of the anti-war leftists in Washington DC and the liberal main-stream media.
As for me, I choose to Support Our Troops, their mission, and our great country.
| CNN's Cafferty Sees Conspiracy Helpful to Bush Behind Timing of Osama Tape |
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| Posted by teddyballgame On News/Activism 01/20/2006 8:29:14 AM CST · 58 replies · 1,296+ views NewsBusters ^ | 1/20/06 | Brent Baker Just before reading e-mailed responses to his “Cafferty Files” question of the 4pm EST hour on Thursday afternoon's The Situation Room on CNN, “How important is the new Osama bin Laden tape?", Jack Cafferty proposed a conspiracy existed in the timing, one meant to help Bush justify his NSA wiretapping: “The last time we got a tape from Osama bin Laden was right before the 2004 presidential election. Now here we are, four days away from hearings starting in Washington into the wiretapping of America's telephones without bothering to get a court order or a warrant, and up pops another... |
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| Duke Professor Skeptical of bin Laden Tape |
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| Posted by bw17 On News/Activism 01/20/2006 7:23:34 AM CST · 39 replies · 1,581+ views ABC11 Eyewitness News ^ | 01/19/06 | Amber Rupinta A Duke professor says he is doubtful about Thursday's audiotape from Osama bin Laden. Bruce Lawrence has just published "Messages to the World: The Statements of Osama Bin Laden," a book translating bin Laden's writing. He is skeptical of Thursday's message. "It was like a voice from the grave," Lawrence said. He thinks bin Laden is dead and has doubts about the tape. Lawrence recently analyzed more than 20 complete speeches and interviews of the al Qaida leader for his book. He says the new message is missing several key elements. "There's nothing in this from the Koran. He's, by... |
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The article cites no direct quotation from anybody saying they're fake.
What is Al Jazeera trying to be, quite a clever.
Meant to say "cute and clever". Losing my marbles.
As posed by the author of the article.
Why did Al-Jazeera air the tape if they don't even know if it was real or not?
Morons.
AHA! Karl Rove did it!
They get it both ways. The play the tapes as if they're authentic, and then get to hammer to Bush Administration for passing off fakes.
Either way, America is on the ropes.
In case anyone was confused, Aljazeera.com is the domain address used by an internet magazine called Al Jazeera. This is a London-based operation which formally had a very low circulation print magazine of the same name, mainly aimed at a British-based readership, and seem to mainly peddle knocked off 'news' coverage and half-baked conspiracy theories.
It does not have any connection with the identically named tv station, whose website you can find at aljazeera.net, should you be so inclined...
"As posed by the author of the article"
In the format of the piece the writer two or more times uses others' quotes, by name, to create the impression of expert agreement.
I think Bin Laden's talk of a truce has cost him dearly in the Middel East and this is an attempt to deny that Bin Laden is losing to the extent that he would offer a truce.
Must have had some effect over there.
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