The Telegraph (UK)
By Graeme Baker
Last Updated: 9:00pm BST 22/10/2007
Osama bin Laden has called on insurgent groups in Iraq to avoid "extremism" against each other and unite around common interests, days after US generals declared that al-Qa’eda in Iraq was fatally wounded.
In the message addressed to "my brother fighters in Iraq", bin Laden called on the insurgent groups to fulfil their "duty" to unite "so that they become one, as God wants".
The tape appeared to be a response to moves by some Sunni tribes in Iraq to join US troops in fighting al-Qa’eda.
Other Sunni insurgent groups, while still attacking Americans, have formed coalitions opposed to al-Qa’eda.
The message came days after the Washington Post reported that American generals were considering declaring "mission accomplished" over al-Qa’eda in Iraq, after a significant downturn in terrorist activity since the "surge" of troops policy began earlier this year.
Nearly a year of intensified US military activity has seen a decline in suicide bombings, and the killing and capture of al-Qa’eda leaders as well as more than 1,000 footsoldiers.
Bin Laden said in the audio tape that the "interest of the Islamic nation surpasses that of a group ... the interest of the [Islamic] nation is more important than that of a state. The strength of faith is in the strength of the bond between Muslims and not that of a tribe, nationalism or an organisation.
"Some of you have been lax in one duty, which is to unite your ranks," bin Laden said in the audiotape.
"Beware of division ... Muslims are waiting for you to gather under a single banner to champion righteousness. Be keen to oblige with this duty.
"I advise myself, Muslims in general and brothers in al-Qaeda everywhere to avoid extremism among men and groups."
He said leaders should not build themselves up as the sole authority, and that instead mujahideen should follow "what God and his prophet have said".
"Everybody can make a mistake, but the best of them are those who admit their mistakes," he said.
"Mistakes have been made during holy wars but mujahideen have to correct their mistakes."
It was not clear from the part of the tape aired when the message was recorded.
US authorities were studying the content and authenticity of the tape. However, officials often note that no one has faked a bin Laden recording in the past.
Gosh, Binnie. Do you think any of them are still alive?
There's the rich Saudi kid... spoofing da muslim yutes again...