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Source: http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/02/11/sprj.irq.wrap/index.html
Alleged Bin Laden Tape a Call to Arms
(CIA)(CNN) A voice purported to be that of Osama bin Laden issued a call to arms Tuesday for Muslims to fight against any U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and offered battle strategies aimed at causing the highest number of American casualties. The 16-minute message was broadcast on the Qatar-based, Arabic-language Al-Jazeera network. The tape was viewed with alarm by U.S. intelligence officials, who believe it is authentic. The tape includes an account of the weeks that bin Laden said he and his followers were under siege by U.S. forces in the Tora Bora region of eastern Afghanistan. Secretary of State Powell told the Senate Budget Committee that the audiotape shows bin Laden "is in partnership with Iraq." CIA Director George Tenet told the Senate Intelligence Committee Tuesday that authorities have information about plots in the U.S. and on the Arabian peninsula timed to occur as early as the end of the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, which ends Thursday. (Washington Post) In addition, Tenet said, "We see disturbing signs that al Qaeda has established a presence in both Iran and Iraq. We are also concerned that al Qaeda continues to find refuge in the hinterlands of Pakistan and Afghanistan."