By Monique Cala University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

James Phillips, a senior research fellow with a focus on Middle Eastern affairs at the Heritage Foundation, says that the recent tape allegedly featuring Osama Bin Laden taking credit for the failed Christmas eve bombing of a commercial airliner shows desperation from the terrorist leader.

“He was so desperate to get his name back in circulation he would attach his name to this failed situation,” said Phillips told Talk Radio News.

“One interesting aspect of the latest Bin Laden tape is that it was entitled ‘Osama to Obama,’” Phillips added. “Osama wants to be seen the equal of a U.S. President.”

Although Phillips contends that Bin Laden may be appearing weaker, he does not believe that should give the U.S. an excuse to abandon their search.

“The catching or killing of Bin Laden would be an important signal that the United States will not rest until it’s brought to justice those who indiscriminately murder American citizens,” said Phillips.

Phillips discussed the authenticity of the audio tape saying that to his knowledge none thus far have been fake. He does think that it is important to recognize the fact that Bin Laden only sends audio and not video, as to not give any clue away to where he might be or of his appearance.

Senior Research Fellow for Middle Eastern Affairs James Phillips says that Osama Bin Laden has become so ‘desperate’ to get his name in the media, that he has attached himself to failed terrorist attempts. (0:30)

 

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Brigadier General R.M. Lake of the Marine Core says that we would need to completely change our way of life to stop Osama Bin Laden from hating us.

 

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Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell says that even if Salim Hamdan, a driver and alleged body guard of Osama bin Laden, is acquitted at his military trial he would still be considered an enemy combatant and subject to further detention at Guantanamo Bay prison. (0:37)

 

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Salim Hamdan, the defendant at the first military commission since World War II, would still be considered an enemy combatant, subject to detention, regardless of the outcome of his trail. A verdict was expected today out of Guantanamo Bay prison in the case against Hamdan, the former driver and alleged body guard of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. “Even if he were acquitted of the charges that are before him he would still be considered an enemy combatant…and still a danger and would likely still be detained for some period of time thereafter,” said Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell. Morrell explained that Hamdan, if acquitted, can go to a review board, which judges suitability for release or transfer. Also if he is not found guilty, Hamdan may also have the opportunity to challenge his status as an enemy combatant in court.

Morrell said that the Defense Department was pleased that the commission was taking place. “We think that you’ve seen a fair and transparent process,” he said. ‘It was a good first effort…we hope it is the beginning of at least 20 additional trials that will hopefully take place sooner than later down there.

Morrell also addressed recent comments by the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates that the DoD is working toward facilitating more U.S. troops in Afghanistan Morrell emphasized that the situation in Afghanistan is not urgent and that despite the commanders’ request for more ground forces, troop levels in Iraq are not directly tied to a force increase in Afghanistan. “I know much has been made of the correlation between forces coming down in Iraq and going up in Afghanistan and while that certainly would seem to be the most natural transaction to take place, the truth is we’re 2.5 nearly million strong around the world, we have the means to draw forces elsewhere. Whether that be through reserves the [National] Guard or drawing down from other places around the world where we have commitments. ”

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) says it is clear that invading Iraq was a grave mistake, diverting resources in the fight against al-Qaeda and, by failing to differentiate between a secular dictator and religious extremists, causing the United States to play into Osama bin Laden’s hands. (0:29)

 

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Rep. Mac Thornberry discusses America’s inability to find Osama bin Laden despite our nation’s communication capabilities. He calls for the creation of a non-partisan private organization to facilitate communication within and between governments (1:30).

 

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Dean Singleton, board chair of the Associated Press news agency, asks Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) if he would shift troops to Afghanistan and accidentally refers to alleged al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden as “Obama bin Laden.” Sen. Obama intercedes and corrects Singleton, conceding that the mistake has been made before and because of that, “it’s pretty impressive” that he is still in the race for presidential nominee. (0:55)

 

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Congressman Robert Andrews (D-NJ) talks about justice not necessarily meaning force, but also finding a common way of living together as partners and not combatants.

 

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