Radio Australia Today Editorial

Osama Bin Laden. Coming to an end?

24 April 2008

Osama Bin Laden has been a name at the top of the infamy list since the 9/11 attacks nearly seven years ago.

The US forces have been searching for him, so much so that George W. Bush led the invasion of Afghanistan (Osama’s reputed home). Then of course we had the invasion of Iraq. Despite U.S. protests, 9/11 was a motivating factor in that attack as well.

Today we spoke with Steve Coll, who has researched the Bin Laden family for his new book (The Bin Ladens). What he told us was that Osama Bin Laden was actually quite a respected figure in the arab world BEFORE September 11, 2001.

But since that time he has been held in less esteem. The audacious attack on the world’s strongest military power can be related to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in the second world war. It awoke a sleeping giant of the U.S. This time around 9/11 brought the festering tensions between the U.S. and some arab countries to the fore. Hence the double invasions.

I’m sure Osama Bin Laden intended neither of these responses. But what they have done is to bring the wrath of many in the arab community.

And if Steve Coll is right, Osama has learned little from this tactical and humanitarian blunder. Coll says Osama is behind a series of suicide bombings in Pakistan, which have had the effect of fragmenting the stability of Pakistan, and also fragmenting the stability of his own camp. Coll believes that Osama is in trouble, and that with a 25 million dollar bounty on Osama’s head, it is only a matter of time before one of his former allies gives him away.

Coll also talked about how Osama has changed in appearance. Have a look:

On the left is how he looked in 2004. The picture on the right shows him only a few months ago.

Either he’s getting younger, orhe’s discovered the joys of hair dye.

Could it be that the world’s most wanted man is developing an ego? Or maybe he just wants to be more attractive.

With 25 million U.S. dollars on his head you wouldn think he’d bother.

It’s a fascinating story, and motives for his actions are yet to be fully known. Perhaps we will find out when and if he’s captured.