Discussion Questions

Aired, September 11, 2003

On the eve of the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Arabic-language news network Al-Jazeera broadcast what it said was a new recorded statement of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and his top deputy.

1. Who is Osama bin Laden? Who is Ayman Al-Zawahiri? What are they seen doing in a recently released videotape? What are some things they purportedly said on the tape?

*

*

*

*

TODAY'S SHOW September 11 Remembered : Activity and Discussion Questions • Today's Show Curriculum  • Transcript  • Questions: On Tape: Osama bin Laden  • Questions: September 11: A Nation Changed  • Activity: September 11: A Nation Changed  • Questions: Around the World

2. What is your reaction to the news that Osama bin Laden allegedly released this recording? If the tape does contain bin Laden's voice, why do you think he would have wanted to release this message now? What do you think are his goals?

*

*

*

3. According to reporter Elaine Quijano, bin Laden's message references the conflict in the Middle East, saying that Al Qaeda will not let America know peace until the Palestinian issue is resolved. What do you think he meant by this? *

*

*

4. Do you think this tape is significant? Why or why not? Did President Bush respond directly to this tape? Explain.

*

*

*

Related Links

CNN.com: Al-Jazeera airs purported bin Laden tape (http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/09/10/binladen.tape/index.html)

CNN.com: The Hunt for Osama bin Laden (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/bin.laden/index.html)

Keywords

Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda, Palestinians, purported, alleged