The exact identity of the man seen conversing with Osama bin Laden in the video-tape released last week has sparked debate.
According to A–Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper, the unfamiliar Sheikh is Haled Uda Mohammed Alharbi. Alharbi previously fought in Afghanistan against the Russians and in the war in Bosnia, where he reportedly was wounded about eight years ago. Alharbi is married and has two children, one of whom is called Suliman.
The video shows a jubilant Bin Laden joking and laughing with friends and associates about the suicide plane attacks on New York's World Trade Center. According to BBC News, the people in the video include the number two in the al-Qaeda network, Ayman al-Zawahri, and a spokesman, Suliman Abu Ghaith, talking to Bin Laden in what the Pentagon says is a guest house in Kandahar. Ayman al-Zawahri heads the Egyptian Jihad, a radical group linked to Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network
The man facing Bin Laden in the video is heard praising Al-Qadea leader, stating, “Hundreds of people used to doubt you and few only would follow you until this huge event happened. Now hundreds of people are coming out to join you.”
According to U.S. sources, there are claims that the man in the footage is Ali Ben Said Alghamadi, an expert in Theology. The American sources are uncertain about whether he is currently in Saudi Arabia or not.
Additional sources exist as to the identity of the man. A news report in The Washington Post is examining whether or not the man seen in the video took part in recruiting the people who participated in the September 11th strike.
American intelligence officers are said to have recovered the tape from a house in the eastern Afghan town of Jalalabad following the collapse of the ruling Taliban, who were harboring Bin Laden. U.S. President Bush has refuted doubts that the video-tape is not genuine. (Albawaba.com)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
