Bin Laden’s message indicates:
** That he wants us to believe that the war in Iraq is going al Qaeda’s way.
** Bin Laden watches the American political process and wants to ignite opposition to the war from the inside of the U.S.
** The fact that no operations have taken place within the U.S. doesn’t mean that they’re not going to happen. There will soon be operations within the U.S. and the West. Operations are being prepared, according to the message. Which means that there is significant questioning among jihadis about the lack of operations in America. A subject discussed in the chat rooms…
** Al Qaeda operations will not be confined to Iraq–meaning other countries will become operational areas for al Qaeda.
** The penetration of Western and U.S. security systems is a matter to be discussed in the public debate.
** The bin Laden proposition for a “long term armistice” is in itself a prelude to further attacks coming. This is a jihadist parameter.
** Al Qaeda is undertaking a strategic reassessment after developments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and U.S. Homeland Security.