Osama’s Late Message Plays on the Fears of Americans

Miami – A late claim – still to be verified – brings attention back to the “home” of Al Qaeda. In recent months, the protagonists have been militant Yemenis. Barack Obama has called them enemies, ignoring the traditional leaders as more symbolic than as operative heads. Directly addressing the president of the USA, bin Laden seemed to say: This duel is between you and me; the others are also supporters.

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In his message, however, there was nothing about the operative aspects of the thwarted attack. A few words would have been enough; instead, it would seem he was just the finishing touch on a plan enacted by others. His words did not confirm that he had a role in the attack, only that he blessed it one month later. The timing was a bit too long compared to past messages: Perhaps Al Qaeda needed to wait for security issues. This is only a hypothesis.

In his speech, bin Laden returned to his favorite theme – Palestine. It was an obvious attempt to use the Palestinian card as propaganda, knowing how sensitive Muslim public opinion is to what happens in Gaza. There is also a propaganda aspect aimed directly at American public opinion. Recent polls have shown that terrorism is still an issue deeply felt by its citizens. By leaving his brief message, bin Laden returns to playing with fear, knowing very well that even as a phantom he is able to keep his enemies under pressure. The barrage of false alarms on jets in recent weeks – not by coincidence did Osama cite airplanes – are testimony to how a failed attack can be a great success in terms of economics and security. This is the reason the Caliph could not leave it unclaimed.