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Experts point out that Saddam, a secular Iraqi nationalist who refuses to rule by the Muslim religious law of Sharia, is a natural enemy of Osama bin Laden.

As for bin Laden, he has vowed to topple Arab leaders like Saddam who don't embrace Islamic fundamentalism.

"Osama bin Laden hates Saddam Hussein and considers him an infidel," said Bari Atwan, editor of the London-based Arabic newspaper Al Quds . He says bin Laden was even ready to help liberate Kuwait when it was invaded by Iraq in 1990.

Experts point out that Saddam, a secular Iraqi nationalist who refuses to rule by the Muslim religious law of Sharia, is a natural enemy of Osama bin Laden.

"Muslims' doctrine and banner should be clear in fighting for the sake of God. He who fights to raise the word of God will fight for God's sake. Under these circumstances, there will be no harm if the interests of Muslims converge with the interests of the socialists in the fight against the crusaders, despite our belief in the infidelity of socialists. "- Bin Laden, al Qaeda tape

Experts point out that Saddam, a secular Iraqi nationalist who refuses to rule by the Muslim religious law of Sharia, is a natural enemy of Osama bin Laden.

And "experts" also point out that FDR, a President of a capitalist republic who refuses to communize all property and seize control of the means of production in the name of the people, was a natural enemy of Joseph Stalin.

Didn't stop them.

Another example: Ronald Reagan, a President of a capitalist republic who refuses to rule by the Muslim religious law of Sharia, was a natural enemy of Afghan jihadis (among them OBL).

Didn't stop them.

Frankly this "Saddam secular Osama religious therefore they can't mix" talking-point is getting really tired and needs to be put out to pasture. There are very few more idiotic things I have heard people say when discussing geopolitics than "secular and religious can't mix". It really makes one sound like a naif.

As for bin Laden, he has vowed to topple Arab leaders like Saddam who don't embrace Islamic fundamentalism.

In general, that's true. That's probably a big reason why Saddam felt such a need to reach out to "Al Qaeda" and come to some kind of ceasefire/accord with them in the '90s (as was extensively reported at the time). There are signs that Saddam succeeded in these experts, especially the Osama tape in which he declares that it is acceptable, for the greater good of Islam, to ally with "socialist" governments if they will help fight against and drive out the Crusaders.

Haven't you been paying attention to anything over the last two years? I feel like I'm giving a remedial course here.