Free Republic

Al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden said in an audio tape broadcast by Al-Jazeera television Sunday that the Western cut off of funds to the Palestinian Hamas-led government proved the US and Europe were at war with Islam. "The blockade which the West is imposing on the Hamas government proves that there is a Zionist crusader war on Islam," the tape said. "I say that this war is the joint responsibility of the people and the governments. While the war continues, the people renew their allegiance to their rulers and politicians and continue to send their sons to our countries...

The following is an edited translation of an audiotape attributed to al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, parts of which were aired by Aljazeera on April 23, 2006. (It is not known where or when the recording was made.) [S's note: edited, but much longer than other places released.) Praise be to Allah, Lord of the world, prayer and peace be upon our prophet Muhammad, his kin and all his companions. Peace, Allah's mercy and blessing be upon you, as I am directing this speech to all the Islamic Umma, to continue talking and urging them to support our prophet Muhammad,...