Osama Bin Laden Message Urges Jihadists to Unite in Iraq
By Jeffrey Imm
A new message was issued today, purportedly from Osama Bin Laden, to "mujahideen" and to the people of Iraq, urging Jihadists to unite together. Per Laura Mansfield, the new Osama Bin Laden message is being released in time to commemorate Eid, and is intended to be part of a longer message to be released via the Internet shortly. CNN reports that the new message is entitled "Letter to the People of Iraq."
In the Bin Laden message, Osama Bin Laden calls for Jihadist "mujahideen" of Iraq to unite and avoid sectarian fighting within group, per Laura Mansfield. It was not clear from the part of the tape aired when it had been recorded.
In the new message, Bin Laden states: "Some of you have been lax in one duty, which is to unite your ranks. Beware of division ... The Muslim world is waiting for you to gather under one banner. The interest of the Islamic nation surpasses that of a group. The strength of faith is in the strength of the bond between Muslims and not that of a tribe or that of nationalism." (per Al Jazeera report)
"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-Qaida everywhere to avoid extremism among men and groups," he said, saying leaders should not build themselves up as the sole authority, and that instead mujahedeen 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. Mistakes have been made during holy wars but mujahedeen have to correct their mistakes." (per AP report)
AP reports that Bin Laden uses the word Arabic word "ta'assub" in his message. AP states that "in traditional Islamic thought [ta'assub] means extremism in allegiance or adherence to a group, to a degree that excludes others -- apparently advising flexibility to overcome divisions."
Bin Laden also warned Iraqi Jihadists: "Don't be arrogant... Your enemies are trying to break up the jihadi groups. I urge you all to work in one united group." (per ABC report) and "Beware of your enemies, especially those who infiltrate your ranks... Everything should be seen in the light of Islam." (per CNN report).
Laura Mansfield advises that she is working on a full translation and analysis.
Sources:
October 22, 2007 - Reuters: Bin Laden urges Iraq insurgents to unite
October 22, 2007 - AP: Bin Laden asks Iraq insurgents to unite
October 22, 2007 - ABC: Worried Bin Laden Urges Iraq Insurgents to 'Unite'
October 22, 2007 - CNN: Purported new bin Laden audio airs
October 22, 2007 - Al Jazeera: Bin Laden issues Iraq message
October 22, 2007 - Laura Mansfield: New Bin Laden audio tape calls for Iraqi jihadists to unite