Ossama Bin Laden, head of Al-Qaeda, appeared in a video posted on some sympathetic web sites. This is the first time in 3 years he has done so.

Noting that he looks more youthful, Western media has noticed his shorter trimmed bird, and less grey hair compared to before.

Moreover, Radio Free Europe analyses certain aspects of the video message, including:

• Reconciliatory tone towards Jews and the Holocaust.
• Anti-Corporate / anti-capitalist message, with notes on global warming, war profiteering, mortgage, loans, and high interest rates.
• Inviting Americans to embrace Islam, mentioning some gains as a 2.5% alms (Zakat).

The message is strange, and full with leftist ideology.

Radio Free Europe says that this message is the brainchild of two advisors of Bin Laden: Egyptian Ayman Al Zawahri, and American Adam Gadahn. The former provided the leftist/Islamic mix, and the latter the hot buttons for Americans.

Resources

• BBC: 'Embrace Islam', Bin Laden urges.
• BBC: Trimmed Bin Laden in media-savvy war.
• Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty analysis.