Bin Laden Alive, Active Says Algerian Group

January 26, 2007 12:50 PM

Hoda Osman Reports:

Osama2_nr Although he has not been seen or heard since last July, a militant Islamist group in Algeria says Osama bin Laden gave formal approval this week for the group to change its name. 

In a statement issued by the Algerian Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC), the group -- now known as "Al Qaeda Organization in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb"-- says it had to await bin Laden's personal review for the name change and has now received it.

Members of jihadi forums have noted that the new statement shows bin Laden is alive and well.

One posting, entitled "News About Sheikh Osama," points out that bin Laden's alleged response to the group is proof that he was supervising matters. "Thanks be to God for the good news. We await to hear your voice," said the posting.

The last statement by bin Laden was an audio issued on July 1, 2006. In a recent statement, al Qaeda's No. 2 Ayman al Zawahri indicated he was in touch with bin Laden.

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In an interview with al Arabiya channel on Wednesday, however, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf claimed there were reports that bin Laden and al Zawahri "have developed differences and are operating separately now."

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January 26, 2007 in Osama bin Laden | Permalink | User Comments (40)

User Comments

Alive and well in Crawford, TX!

Thanks for leaving the light on Bushy.

Posted by: mark | Jan 26, 2007 1:03:38 PM

Allu Akbar! Our shiekh lives!

When I reach the white house I will rename it after him!

Posted by: Barak | Jan 26, 2007 1:20:11 PM

Interesting. When do you think the "decider" will decide to go after him? Ya know he's "wanted, dead or alive."
Although, according to ABC's 9/11 documentary, the US was within a stone's throw of him, and Clinton let him go. leaving him free to attack us.
Thus, this group was allowed to change their name to the more menacinig "Al Qaeda Organization in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb." It's all Clinton's fault.

Posted by: nffcnnr | Jan 26, 2007 2:51:34 PM

Al Qaeda Organization in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb-REFORMED

Posted by: clyde | Jan 26, 2007 3:00:24 PM

nffcnnr, thank you for stating what I have always felt. IT was Clinton's fault for 9/11 and why do you think Hilery voted for the Iaq war? Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall as she got inside information from hubby Billy about Saddam and WMD. The same information Bush had to go on. Thanks Billy! And why is Sandy Burger protecting your hide Billy?

Posted by: Christine | Jan 26, 2007 3:23:11 PM

All Clintons fault NFFCNNR? How about George W. dropping the ball at Tora Bora. We knew Osama was hiding there and desperately needed reinforcements to go in under heavy fire. Bush botched the operation with his lack of support and terrible decision making and let Osama slip into Pakistan. Clinton may have missed him, but Bush screwed up just as badly.

The bottom line is we needed more of our resources in Afghanistan than Iraq. I'm a moderate who supported the war in Iraq at the time, but it's clear the administration completely screwed up securing Iraq when we really needed to be destroying where MOST of Al Queda terrorists were operating. Bush will go down as one of the most irresponsible, ignorant, stubborn presidents in the history of this country. A blind monkey pressing random “yes” and “no” buttons could make better decisions than him. Even his own party in Congress is throwing him under the bus.

Posted by: SHL | Jan 26, 2007 3:37:04 PM

You think Bush is a Bad President, you just wait until Senator Rodham gets into office.....

Posted by: JT | Jan 26, 2007 3:53:58 PM

He's in a cave. Who cares?

Posted by: Kiley | Jan 26, 2007 4:07:51 PM

THE MERE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT BOTH CLINTON AND BUSH LET HIM GET AWAY...THEY ARE MORE INTERESTED IN KEEPING THE OIL PRICE LOW AND GETTING REELECTED .. IT'S TIME TO CUT ISRAEL OFF THE PAYROLL, MAKE THEM MAKE PEACE WITH THE PALESTINIANS, GET OUT OF IRAQ AND TRY AND STOP TRYING TO TELL THE WORLD HOW GREAT WE ARE WHEN WE ARE COMPLETELY IN DEBT, AND WORRYING ABOUT EVERY INTEREST GROUP THAT POPS UP --- HEY HERE'S A THOUGHT.. WHY NOT SPEND JUST A FRACTION OF THE MONEY WE HAVE FINANCED AND WASTED IN IRAQ ON SOMETHING WITH A TANGIBLE OUTCOME-- SAY ALTERNATIVE FUELS, EDUCATING OUR KIDS, AND HEALTH CARE.. BUT HEY YOU WILL ALL CALL ME A LIBERAL -- JUST SOME COMMON SENSE...

Posted by: JODON | Jan 26, 2007 4:09:28 PM

I agree with in part with SHL and fully with Christine. We should have been more forcefull in Tora Bora, but hindsite is 20/20. If a treacherous Mt. region would have resulted in many US deaths, you would have critisized him for blindly throwing troops into a meat grinder. The president made choices givin to him by military commanders and he should be questioned about those choices in a respectful way. On the other hand, absolutly no questions are allowed about Berger/Burgler or Clintons actions pre and post 9/11. It doesn't even make the news, yet a non crime like the Libby/Armatige is all over presented like a huge coverup from the evil empire? The thought that SHL or I know all the info on why any deciscions were made is silly. The repubs throwing W under the bus is purley for political reasons, not weather they argree with W or not.

Posted by: pjack | Jan 26, 2007 4:09:54 PM

how about Mr. Do nothing Bill Clinton not doing one thing for terrisom while he was in office. Believe me I'm no Bush fan, but seriously Bill did not do anything to help either. Hey but at least he's making millions off of the books telling how he did nothing for 8 years!

Posted by: Kiley | Jan 26, 2007 4:10:24 PM

Brian Ross -- why don't you do us all a favor and fly to Algeria and talk to these people directly. They obviously have direct contact with Bin Laden. The $25 million reward you get from the US government for providing the whereabouts of Bin Laden will easily pay for your tip. Until then, quit wasting our time with these ridiculous news articles.

Posted by: Eric | Jan 26, 2007 4:11:17 PM

It doesn't get any worse than Bushy boy,-put our country into MORE debt for a least another 20-25 years cause of this "WAR". Killed more innocent Iraqi's than Saddam did in 25 years, Bushy lied everytime he opened his mouth, yes Clinton lied but Bushy boy caused death to our own people and soldiers, (don't forget all the civilians that work for Chaney boys company and got there heads chopped off.

Oh, I'm sorry he did accomplish one thing during his terms, he finished daddy's job, which we come to find out now, Saddam new how to deal with his people, we obviously don't and never will. You think some redneck from Texas knows about the Middle East? if he did we wouldn't be there today. There is a reason 41 presidents before him never went there!!!!!!!! i can write all day about how ignorant this president is but its just a waste of time and money, just like the war. and to all the brave soldiers and there families I grieve with you and would like to thank your commitment to our freedoms, even if mislead.

Posted by: Matt | Jan 26, 2007 4:15:52 PM

you know they just talk tough on tape, but when the camera is off they have to take the trash out of 30 caves and say "yes dear" to 30 wives. WHEN are we going to attack someone with actual buildings to blow up and not these dirt huts? I bored...Come on France? Say something stupid!!!

Posted by: christoph | Jan 26, 2007 4:29:42 PM

It is really sad that a terrorist such as Bin Laden is more intelligent than all the leaders of the United States these days... All of our leaders are elected by money.

Posted by: Jim Thomas | Jan 26, 2007 4:32:05 PM

Yes, thank you brave elite persons fighting in that hole over there. I am a former Marine and the morale over there is VERY bad as expected. Bush is horrible, but in my opinion Clinton set whoever would have been the president up for failure. Hey but at least healthcare was money while he was in and at least HE was getting SOMETHING out of being the president right? #1- September 11-not a fun thing to be president during. If Gore would have been president then there would still be terrorists attacks happening. #2-Katrina- another VERY difficult thing to endure while being president. Yes i agree Bush messed it up, but i am from that region and can tell you that it started with that ignorant governor (and i cant think of her name) refusing resources, saying that th epeople of New Orleans would make it on each other alone or some crap like that. I think these past few years would have been the most difficult time in history to be our president. Aggreed he's no good, but its not all his fault. He didn'thave the 2 cake walk terms that Billy Bob had. Again no big fan of Bush, but its not all his fault.

Posted by: Kiley | Jan 26, 2007 4:33:32 PM

Pjack I will 100% agree with you that I cannot even begin to understand the decision Bush has had to make. The bottom line is he let Rumsfeld run the war with the “bare-bone” philosophy on troop levels instead of the Powell “overwhelming force” philosophy, which is much more effective. We should have been dominating Iraq with many more troops from the start and over the first few years. Now it is honestly too late and Bush’s stubbornness to increase troop levels is just flat out stupid. The insurgency has grown when we should have been taking it out before it got as organized as it is today.

Kiley- I love how everyone tries to find a scapegoat for Bush’s terrible decision making. “Clinton had it easy,” “Gore would have allowed more terrorist attacks,” “its state and local governments fault, not Bush, for the Katrina response.” Some of you are living in complete denial. Stop looking for someone else to blame or horrendous logic as to why Bush is not to blame for all this. Bush is the President of the United States, the Commander and Chief, the leader of the free world…ANYTHING that requires federal response, decision-making in times of war or national security issues FALLS ON HIM. It’s the nature of the beast. It doesn’t fall on a former president, the Louisiana governor, or the “liberal media”….sure they can “contribute” to the circumstances, but in the end…ITS W's FAULT!

Posted by: SHL | Jan 26, 2007 4:49:51 PM

SHL- I agree in the long run it hinges on Bush. I don't believe in scapegoats I am just saying that I think think Clinton did not do much to help our situation. Yes it's Bush's fault, but Billy Boy let his wife (that he cheats on constantly) run the country and all i here is fear when people think of her being president. In the end I agree Bush horrible job and I like most are not happy with it.

Posted by: Kiley | Jan 26, 2007 5:14:13 PM

When will you people ever figure out a way to think of something more instructive and intelligent than I'm a republican and every thing was Clinton's fault or I'm a democrat and everything Bush does and says is wrong. America is suffering a brain crises that threatens its well-being far more than anything Bin Laden might be doing.

Posted by: lhenry | Jan 26, 2007 6:15:12 PM

I think that Bush is following the example that business executives set when things go bad - ignore all sound advice and be a "visionary", never admit you screwed up, blame everybody else, lay off everyone under you, and snag that performance bonus on the way out too (in this case it's his legacy he's trying to save).

Posted by: Don L. | Jan 26, 2007 6:22:36 PM

Bin Laden = leader who actually believe killing innocent women and children will take them to heaven. New Age Hitler in a strange way.......

Posted by: Will | Jan 26, 2007 6:39:35 PM

i only have one thing to say "let god deal with him"

Posted by: mary | Jan 26, 2007 11:53:35 PM

Rote propaganda emanating from Langley.

Posted by: John | Jan 27, 2007 10:40:20 AM

Helo people wake up and stop your stupid denial of reality. We went to Iraq four years ago without sensible plan or or policy. While our military men and women were waiting in Kuwait to invade Iraq many of them said "we are going to Iraq to remove Saddam, find WMD, and avenge 9/11." They removed Saddam within a year, however, they did not find WMD. As we now know Iraq has nothing to do with 9/11 unless you are Dick Cheney. So, after four years why are we still in Iraq? Nobody knows, but our President who had alread accomplished the mission now wants victory. Okay, what will be the victory? We catured Saddam, kill Al-Zarqawi, conducted election, so what are we waiting for? Election is not democracy, you cannot have democracy without freedom and rule of law. Now, the people Iraq have no freedom of movement, religion, education, or life. We cannot support one mistake after another and the only thing our President has done so far is to accept responsibility after denying it during the election. We don't want the President to accept responsibity, we want accountability from him. His adminstration continued one screwed up after another.

Posted by: Charlie Chukwudolue | Jan 27, 2007 12:27:29 PM

Maybe if the anti-US United Nations would have enforced the sanctions against Iraq rather than allow back-handed deals between Saddam and France, Russia, and China, it's possible that the Iraq war would have never occurred. Billions of dollars were lost due to the oil for food scandal and the US and Britain could do nothing about it. There's alot more blame to pass around than simply George Bush.

Posted by: JDB | Jan 27, 2007 2:27:13 PM

Right on JDB..very well said!

Posted by: Christine | Jan 27, 2007 6:42:24 PM

I don't see how this proves anything. In fact, this news article doesn't even matter. Osama did not knock down WTC 7 at 5:20 PM on 9/11/2001. We did.

Posted by: PJ | Jan 27, 2007 9:53:41 PM

Osama alive and back from the dead.
I'm scared, because he's been dead since 2001. Osama Bin Zombie.

Posted by: nonbeliever | Jan 28, 2007 1:24:13 AM

Yeah!!! Let's play the blame game.It is the fault of both Bushes and Clinton.It's a wonderful side effect of the two-party system that everyone blames the other respective party.We as Americans have bought into this he said,she said,they said B.S.Wake up people,they're all in it together.Please end the Bush-Clinton era and vote third party,You are not throwing your vote away.

Posted by: chris | Jan 28, 2007 11:39:25 AM

If he's alive his mouth isn't working or we would've heard it by now as we do Zawahri's. We should stay focused and go after Al Qaeda like we were doing before Bush the conquerer went to Iraq. If the Iraqi people don't want us there we should leave, you cant sustain an occupation if the people don't want you there. We should let them vote to see if they want us to stay or go, if they want us to go then we can leave because we were asked by the majority and that's honerable.

Posted by: Jack | Jan 28, 2007 3:31:16 PM

If our Administration had have listened to Oliver North years ago on his fears and information on bin laden, our Nation wouldn't be in the shape it is in today! I believe there would have never been a 9/11. Now...George W. isnt listening to the American people. Scary..huh?

Posted by: Doris | Jan 28, 2007 5:00:51 PM

RIGHT ON JDB...WHEN IS THE UN GOING TO DO THEIR JOB!!! THEY R USELESS!

Posted by: margie | Jan 28, 2007 7:55:01 PM

The Lord is allowing all of this turmoil to occur. The war will never stop...unitl Jesus returns and then all 'hell' be break lose. We are in the last days. We ought to pray more and act less. God is not blessing America because, we didn't listen to Him. We need much prayer.

Posted by: Roberta | Jan 28, 2007 9:33:54 PM

So Bin Laden authorized a name change of a AAA-terror group? Big deal, this is supposed to show that he is "alive and well".....looks like Bush succeeded in decimating al queda.

Posted by: Rumsfeld | Jan 29, 2007 1:35:58 AM


often it is urgent to keep some-one alive & kicking for the
evil politicians.bush needs OBL very much to enhance his pol.survival.
i don`t say bush was in leage with OBL during 9/11.but you are
certainly helping bush by blogging a man who,otherwise is not in news.

Posted by: tu3carat | Jan 29, 2007 1:44:47 AM

If Bin Laden is still alive is the $50 million dead or alive reward still active? If he is still alive some, probable temporarily living, poor donor body had to give up his kidneys to keep him alive. That kind of surgery would take a skilled team and specialized equipment as well as regular medical support with a qualified doctor. Anti-rejection drugs would be required to keep him alive. These drugs are cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), prednisone (Novo Prednisone®, Apo Prednisone®), azathioprine (Imuran®), tacrolimus or FK506 (Prograf®), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®)
sirolimus (Rapamune®), OKT3 (Muromorab CO3®, Orthoclone®), ATGAM & Thymoglobulin. These drugs are not generally available outside a major hospital in the middle east and would be expensive to acquire. Happy hunting!

Posted by: Night Eagle | Jan 29, 2007 2:15:27 AM

Lord please bring calm minds, we must unite. Please Lord guide us. May your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.

Posted by: Jack | Jan 29, 2007 10:15:57 AM

I hate Osama Bin Laden. He is ruining America and Americans. I want George Bush to send a group of people to execute every terrorist.

Posted by: dean sanders | Jan 29, 2007 5:27:36 PM

Are we sure the administration/military wants Osama found? I really dont think so. Hes been quite a useful fellow.

p.s.- sidenote- Anyone with half a brain knew from the get-go the iraq war and saddamn had nothing to do with 9-11. Just shows the sad brain-washed flock of sheep that americans have become.

Posted by: MDB | Feb 25, 2007 6:10:22 PM

To simplify in the intelligence community Bin Laden is an asset. Don't believe go to wikipedia and read OPERATION AJAX, OPERATION CHAOS, OPERATION NORTHWOODS, GULF OF TOKEN incident. Many of the PSY-OP on the media is done by the CIA and MI6. Read SPIES, LIES and WHISTLEBLOWERS. Read about the BILDERBERG GROUP. Alot is not in the media because it is controlled. I will not be suprised if this posting makes it or not. Bin Laden is just a person in a cave. US foreign policy always needs a boogie man or excuse for a preemptive strike in a war. No WMD is IRAQ. Excuses are needed to con the people.

Posted by: ExCMan | Feb 28, 2007 5:08:30 AM

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