Author: Editorial
Publication: CNN.com
Date: September 3, 2006
URL: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/02/zawahiri.tape/index.html?section=cnn_topstories
A new videotape has surfaced featuring Osama
bin Laden's second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and an American member of
al Qaeda wanted by the FBI, according to a counterterrorism expert.
The tape, called "Invitation to Islam,"
runs 48 minutes, expert Laura Mansfield said. Al-Zawahiri speaks for about
4 minutes on the tape, and the American narrates the rest.
Californian Adam Gadahn, wearing a white robe
and turban, introduces the message by calling on Westerners to convert. (Watch
Gadahn accuse President Bush of not caring about U.S. troops -- 5:42)
Gadahn says that even Americans working with
President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are invited to embrace
Islam, but they should hurry.
"We invite all Americans and believers
to Islam, whatever their role and status in Bush and Blair's world order,"
Gadahn says. "Decide today, because today could be your last day."
Mansfield, who is a writer and corporate adviser
on the Middle East, Islam and terrorism, said the time reference could indicate
an attack is near. Muslims believe that non-believers should be given a chance
to convert before they are attacked, Mansfield said.
"This may well be a warning," she
said.
The only indication of when the tape was made
is a reference to the recent fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, which
ended August 14.
Gadahn, also known as "Azzam the American,"
previously has been featured in al Qaeda tapes and is listed as armed and
dangerous by the FBI on its Web site.
He is wanted by the FBI in connection with
possible terrorist threats against the United States.
Gadahn appeared on a tape last year on the
fourth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He also was
on a tape earlier this year, on the first anniversary of the London subway
bombings.
Much of his portion carries Arabic subtitles,
while the segments in Arabic carry English subtitles. CNN is analyzing the
tape.
CNN's Henry Schuster contributed to this report.
