Is that really Osama? Only his hairdresser knows for sure.

A new 'tape' is supposed to be from Osama Bin Laden. However, we have not seen an actual VIDEO of Bin Laden in three years. Is this REALLY Bin Laden? Does this image look like Osama Bin Laden? His face is fuller, his beard is darker, his hair is darker. I'm wondering if this is even HIM, maybe a photo-manipulation -- or perhaps a poor double??? Is he even alive? Only his hairdresser knows for sure.

From 2004:

Reports are unclear as to WHEN the tape will be received, and whether it's actually a tape we are expecting or AN ATTACK. Reports say, "SOON", within the next "72 HOURS", and some say "ON SEPTEMBER 11". So We wait ...

turneresq's diary (via Daily Kos)

CAIRO, Egypt - Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden will be addressing the American people on the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a new video, Al-Qaida's media arm announced, according to SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors Islamist Web sites

But Forbes says:

Osama bin Laden will release a new video in the coming days ahead of the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks

Brietbart:

SITE Intelligence Group said an Internet announcement of the plan included a photo of the al-Qaida leader from the upcoming video—his beard, which in previous messages had been streaked with gray, was entirely dark.

Michelle Malkin:

Wonder if he got Botox, too?

Rita Katz, director of the Washington-based SITE Institute, said bin Laden’s beard appeared to have been dyed, which she said is a popular practice in the Middle East.

“I think it works for their benefit that he looks young, he looks healthy,” Katz said of the new image.

Laura Mansfield will have her own personal and accurate translation when the video is available.

Website: Soon, The Blessed Invasion of Manhattan-- "Special Gift" for 9/11, The Jawa Report

New Osama Bin Laden Tape Will Address American People On (Or Before) September 11th, Stop the ACLU

Pirate's Cove:

If Rusty is worried, so should the rest of us. It begs the question, is all this referring to a new tape, or a new attack?

Hot Air and Wonkette have nice blog round ups.

Counterterrorism Blog has a roundup of news articles.

Others:
Outside the Beltway
Talk Left
MyDD
Truemors
Shakesville
Blogs of War
Other reading:
Support The American Mission In Iraq, Four Stages of Life, Thursday Good Stuff, 123Beta

Comments

[Eugene]

New Osama video seems yet another forgery. Everyone needs Osama alive:
terrorists as symbolic leader and the US Administration - to avoid
scaling down the war on terror.
Obadiah Shoher rightly notes (
http://www.samsonblinded.org/news/osama-commemorates-911-1114 ) that
new Osama talks like a leftist university professor. I like Shoher's
analysis. No way a terrorist leader like Osama would use a speechwriter. Osama is famous
for his rhetoric.
Also, in the tape Osama both threatens America with attack (by
"proving" Americans polytheists) and offers (yet another time)
long-term coaching in Islam.
But his dyed beard makes me cautious. Islam's mujahedeen dye their
beards before battle.

[DD2]

Looks like he's using "Just For Men " on his beard

[Debbie]

J. Robertson: I'm with you. Locked and loaded and ready for the terrorists. Personal responsibility is key.

[J Robertson]

Gosh...no we know that O.B.L. has a hairdresser....wonder if it's the same one John Edwards visits?? Gotta wonder, ya know!!

I'm not afraid of the boogyman.....

Just buy more ammunition...

[Karen]

Well, a visit from OBL was to be expected, wasn't it?