Read an interesting article discussing bin Laden's origins and the family he left behind to pursue his madness. Interestingly, he came from a successful and apparently happy family. Even though they disowned their son, it appears that they have suffered greatly because of their name of bin Laden. A look at the lesser-known bin Ladens - Yahoo! News
An aspiring pop star, a succesful book, and a house sold at the height of the market for over a milkion bucks? WOW they have given up so much! I note how they emntio in the article that the "wider bin laden family respects what he has done" (something to that effect). They didn't even disown the murderer till the House of Saud compelled them to. Like the wider muslim community, they would gain a greater share of my compassion if I heard more of them speak out strongly against his actions. Her stating "I will never forget 9/11" hardly holds any water either. What is she reffering to? Was it a sad day for her or does she secretly approve? I didn't read the book, perhaps I'm of base but this article has the stink of spin methinks.
In light of the fear of being killed, yeah, I think they have suffered. You can't blame them for trying to make the best of their situation. The book will probably sell well. I would be interested to hear what she has to say.
I recently read a book called "The House of Saud" it was the story of the rise of Abdul Azziz to power in the Saudi kingdom. The Bin Laden family rose with them, they will enjoy promenence at home so long as they enjoy the favor of their King. Their disavowel of Usama came at the behest of the Saudi King. With there money they can buy influence elsewhere in the world. I dunno, the yaho story just failed to tug at my heart strings. Interesting that they are now saying Bin Laden had help in Pakistan, perhaps even the help of members of the Pakistani Government. I'm not convinced non westerners see the trade towers attack as evil. I suspect that there are many places in the world that the Bin Laden clan is welcomed because of the acts of their wayward son. Just don't buy the notion that they have done anything to deserve my sympathy. Make sense?
This is so untrue that it is actually frightening to me that you think otherwise. The wider Muslim community has and continues to condemn loudly and strongly any act of hate and murder. I hear, and read in the news all of the time about major Islamic leaders disowning as "Muslims" any terrorists (these usually come as short lists at the end of articles to the effect of "Such and such and such and such groups have publicly denounced these actions.") Funds for victims of terrorists have been set up and implemented successfully in mosques all around the country and peaceful Muslims have to fight every single day to demonstrate to ignorant people that they are not in any way affiliated with extremists. How can you say they aren't doing enough when they are forced to tirelessly do exactly what your statement claims that they don't do? Please take a look at the links below. You will find things that may shock you, like the solemn photos of people in Iran mourning the deaths of the innocent victims of 9/11. Even in the Arab world, which our media tends to paint with a broad stroke the many different peoples and people as homogeneous, there are millions who are, at great risk to themselves, vocal about their support of peace and freedom. Remember the photos of all of the Afghani men who shaved their beards the moment they got the news that the Taliban was no longer in control of their government? Example, example, example, and so on... About.com: http://groups.colgate.edu/aarislam/response.htm Statements Against Terror
Bin Laden's approval rating in Pakistan in 2007 was 46% while the US backed president Musharaff's rating was only 38%. Poll: Bin Laden tops Musharraf in Pakistan - CNN.com So with Pakistan's population around 200 million that means that only 100 million or so Pakistanis approve of Bin Laden and by extension, terrorism and the fall of the towers. Thats actually a little better than I thought.
The big mystery is whether it is funny or sad that bin Laden actually had an approval rating. Hint: I laughed when I read it.
He is a freedom fighter to some and is following the letter of the law by taking out infidels in massive numbers. People looked up to Hitler too. It is sad very sad.
