Psychological Profile Page

 1/24/2010

A Profile of the Latest Osama Bin Laden Tape

Terrance Jones

Founder

The JISS Corporation

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI8RHb9zHbc

1. Perception

Many experts are of the opinion that Osama bin Laden is attempting to reassert his authority and command over Al Qaeda and its affiliate groups. This is clearly perception as bin Laden is acknowledged as a sheik in the Muslim world. Subordinates of sheiks are fiercely loyal in Islam and are not inclined to move against their spiritual head. This would be a death sentence for anyone so inclined. It is important that we understand that if Osama bin Laden had issues with a subordinate or offshoot group, it would be easier for him to dispatch a loyalist to one of his death squads with an audio or video fatwa calling for the death of anyone posing a threat to his command of Al Qaeda than it would be for him to release the latest audio to the media.     

2. Emissary

Chain of authority or Isnad is very important in Islam. By releasing the audio to the media, bin Laden is letting other terrorist organizations and the Muslim world in general see that his loyalist have not betrayed him for the 25 million that is being offered and they have not deviated from the discipline that has kept bin Laden safe since the 9/11 attacks.  

3. Caliphate

Global reach and reliable emissaries give Osama bin Laden the authority and appearance of Caliphate rule when you consider that Al Qaeda has a presence in over 60 nations across the globe. It is important that we acknowledge this if we are to effectively and decisively deter Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden soon.

Apparent Weakness of Osama bin Laden

A. Desperation

Rather than encourage his Al Qaeda and Taliban comrades to fight on in Afghanistan and Pakistan, bin Laden has mentioned Palestine as a rallying cry for his supporters there and any support he can garner from Hamas and Hezbollah followers in the region. Bin Laden is closer to being captured than many people suspect. He needs an infusion of hardened mujahideen to establish an escape route similar to what occurred in Tora Bora. The Beckwithian Scholars will not allow this!

B. Deception

Reciting Arabic requires a flow that is deceptive concerning stressor levels. The revered status of Arabic in Islam makes bin Laden appear to be focused and in control, but it is due to his commitment to Islam and the discipline of religious rites that are tied to the same concerning the tone of his articulation in Arabic. Osama bin Laden is beginning to crack.