General

Bin Laden uses response to Pakistani floods to drum up support

Al Qaeda leader’s third video in recent weeks calls on West to do more to fight poverty

Osama Bin Laden released a new video Friday which uses the Pakistani floods to drum up support to his cause. “If governments spent (on relief) only one percent of what is spent on armies, they would change the face of the world for poor people,” Bin Laden says in the 11 minute video. According to a U.S. intelligence group, the tape was posted on Islamic militant websites. Bin Laden’s latest video took a more peaceful tone than the two other videos the al Qaeda leader has released in recent weeks. The earlier messages included calls for Muslims in Pakistan to join Islamist militants and overthrow ruling leaders.

Washington Post

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.