Bin Laden: 9\11 revenge for Palestinians, Lebanon

In new tape, al-Qaida chief says: "American tide is ebbing;" calls on Europe to stop backing Afghan war.

binladen224 88 (photo credit: AP [file])
binladen224 88
(photo credit: AP [file])
The September 11 terror attacks in the US were carried out as revenge for treatment of the Palestinians and actions in Lebanon, al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden said in excerpts of a new audiotape aired Thursday on Al-Jazeera television. He also called on the Europeans to stop helping the United States in the war in Afghanistan, saying America is "ebbing." "The American tide is ebbing, so it is best for you to press your leaders to change their policies," bin Laden said, addressing Europeans and referring to their countries' military contributions in Afghanistan. Bin Laden said he was the "only one responsible" for the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, arguing that it was unjust for the Americans to have invaded Afghanistan. "The events of Manhattan were retaliation against the American-Israeli alliance's aggression against our people in Palestine and Lebanon, and I am the only one responsible for it. The Afghan people and government knew nothing about it. America knows that," he said. "Europe went along with it (the US invasion of Afghanistan) because they had no other alternative, only to be a follower," he said. He addressed Europeans, saying "the American tide is ebbing, with God's help, and they will leave back to their countries." "Therefore it is better for you to stand against your leaders who are dropping in on the White House, and to work seriously to lift the injustice against the believers," he said, accusing US forces and their allies of intentionally killing women and children in Afghanistan. Al-Jazeera aired two brief excerpts of a few seconds each of the audiotape, which al-Qaida had announced several days ago that it would release soon. It was the fourth message by the al-Qaida leader this year.