It smells like a dirty trick to me. How hard would it be for the dems to get some guy with a middle eastern accent to shoot a rant and have it released as a threat through the 'proper' channels. It's not hard at all. In fact, it's a piece of cake. The graphic overlay is a snap, as is coming up with the correct file format for that part of the world, shot on a camera known to be used in that area (so the resolution looks believable) and/or dubbed to an appropriate release format. This is a no brainer. After Forrest Gump, question everything. And I mean everything.
I think the tape is probably legit (at least in the sense that it's not made in the US) and for that reason Kerry is really scared because it might seal Bush's re-election. ABC claims they got it from reliable source in Pakistan known to have al-qaeda and taliban connections. ABC is not as bad as CBS or the NYT, of course. (Then again, who knows if they gave the CIA an original tape (which might still have fingerprints) or a copy?). Anyway, it makes sense that these thugs would want this given directly to American media and not al-jazeera because it's obviously intended for an American audience.
That being said, it's not legit with respect to the threats which are pretty much the same blathering hyperbole as always (9/11 was nothing compared to what's coming, streets flowing with blood, etc.). It ends:
"And that Allah willing, the magnitude and ferocity of what is coming your way will make you forget all about Sept. 11."
I happen to have some respect for good, honest Muslims and the pretty remarkable civilization they once had, and I think they will believe as I do that Allah, in fact, will not be willing. Instead, the magnitude and ferocity of what's coming is what is in store for them.