This LA Times piece argues that OBL is trying to remake himself as a statesman. It’s an interesting analysis that seems to tie together many of the issues myself and others have had with the tape. My once criticism is that the author talks about how Hezbollah, PLO, the IRA developed political wings. However, all also provided social services, which is what gave their political ideology cachet amongst the people they were attempting to represent. OBL has yet to do a positive thing for the Muslim community.
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September 2, 2005 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff: The devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina have stunned us all. The loss of life, destruction of property, and unimaginably severe conditions that remain in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are profoundly saddening. Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with all those who have suffered from the storm and its aftermath. How can we as a university help? Let me outline several ways. First, we are contacting our undergraduate and graduate students who live in the region to offer any assistance we can in helping them arrive safely for the fall term.…