It probably was authentic, in retrospect- but I was struck by several features:
too plump and healthy looking (unless he received a new kidney)
plump nose
no guns
too many comments about the US election
mistakes regarding how many died in 9/11
no Zawahiri by his side
no sign of aging since last tape
minimal quotes from the Koran(even in the deleted parts)
However--perhaps he has had access to excellent medical care and is now presenting himself more as a statesman than a warrior.
These features have been noted by many and I reflected upon a few of them in my last summary. Most significant gist is that he is trying to look the part of the statesman, the Mahij (sp - islamic messiah) and appearance to be appeasing to the eye of the american voter.
The nose, definitely looked weird.
ON THE NET...
I believe everyone would do well to ponder the key '50,000' reference in UBL's tape. Contrary to certain conjecture, I believe that it was not a 'misstatement' or a 'misunderstanding'.
sub6
"mistakes regarding how many died in 9/11"
Someone else, in a post above, pointed out that he also mentioned it being four years since Sept. 11th, when it's actually been 3. With regard to the mistakes regarding how many died on Sept. 11th (I thought he said "abandoned," not "died"), the number he mentioned was 50,000...he mentions that number at least twice in that tape.
I finally had enough patience to take a closer look at the transcript. It is chilling considering the number of times he mentions women and children; rockets and bombardoments of houses, high rises and towers; and stresses priority to private interests over public interests...it brings to mind the information obtained on schools.