Expert: Purported bin Laden video targets Iraq
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Magnus Ranstorp
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Purported new video of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden
Purported new audio of top al Qaeda deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri
Purported new audio of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Terrorism expert Magnus Ranstorp spoke with CNN's Wolf Blitzer about the latest purported Osama bin Laden video- and audiotape that aired Wednesday on the Arabic-language news network Al-Jazeera.
BLITZER: What struck you immediately when studying this new videotape?
RANSTORP: Well, I think it's significant that the videotape occurred.
It wasn't a great surprise, but certainly it warns, it puts Iraq at the epicenter. It urges jihadists to flock there. This is the Ayman al-Zawahiri call for arms.
At the same time, this was one of the first visible evidence that we have of bin Laden seemingly being well, being alive. I was watching very closely his left arm, whether he was using that, but it's still too early to be able to say what time this was recorded. So I think we have to wait for a while.
Certainly, this video is designed to do three things, first of all to taunt the United States that they are in a leisurely fashion still alive and well, that the U.S. military might can not be able to reach them.
And secondly, it is to warn of impending attacks, that the United States can expect greater attacks even than 9/11. And thirdly, and I think most importantly, this is part of al Qaeda's and bin Laden's psychological warfare.
They are out to try to mobilize new recruits, of trying to focus with Iraq at the epicenter new jihadists to join the call to confront American forces and to confront the west in general.
BLITZER: Magnus, you mention his left hand. There's been a lot of speculation over the past couple of years that there may have been some injury that he endured. I'm going to show the viewers once again this videotape. What do you make of his physical condition, especially his left hand?
RANSTORP: Well, I was watching this video and I think there are mixed messages. On the one hand he is quite immobile, but on the other hand he's using his cane. He's walking down the mountain. I think that he certainly was injured. We know that for sure. ...
There are reports that Ayman al-Zawahiri [a physician] may have operated on him, but it is very difficult to say at what stage he is in. I think most people would concur with the conclusion that he's still alive and that the noose is tightening around him just south of Kabul.
