Osama to prove his presence soon Times of india ^
Posted on 05/16/2005 8:31:09 AM EDT by phoenix_004
International terrorist Osama bin Laden and his Taliban associate Mullah Omar are alive, and a new cassette from the Al Qaeda leader is expected soon to prove his presence, according to a distinguished Pakistani journalist.
"Both Osama and Mullah Omar are alive. There is no evidence to suggest that Osama bin Laden is dead, and there is no doubt about the presence of Mullah Omar as he regularly sends audio cassettes and letters," journalist Rahimullah Yuzufsai was quoted as saying Monday.
Yusufzai said both Osama and Mullah Omar are in the Afghan region but that Osama was finding the going "quite difficult".
"Mullah Omar has the advantage of being an Afghan, he knows the Pashto language and the world knows little about his appearance as very few of his photographs have been circulated.
"He is living in his country, within his own tribe and my knowledge is he does not have a major problem. There are active Taliban elements that would defend him at any cost. I think he does not have a problem in crossing over to Pakistan also." In contrast, Osama had several handicaps, the journalist said.
"He does not know either Pashto or Urdu. He merely speaks Arabic. Americans have kept a big reward on his head. Therefore his movements are restricted and difficult as compared to Mullah Omar, as he does not belong to the region.
"However, he does prove his presence by sending out regular video or audio cassettes either warning America of fresh attacks or praising Muslim militants." Yusufzai, a noted Afghan affairs expert, said.
"It would not have been possible for Osama to remain elusive for such a long period without solid support, as Americans dug out (Iraqi dictator) Saddam Hussain in eight months."
Interesting report. Wonder if the "cassette" is video.