The Osama Bin Laden I Know: An Oral History of Al-Qaeda's Leader Book

On Monday 2nd May 2011 it was announced to the world that Osama Bin Laden was dead.Few from the western World can claim to have known the man and in fact Bergen met Bin Laden only when he was a member of the C.N.N. team which interviewed Bin Laden in 1997. Mr Bergen has an in depth knowledge and insight into the customs and culture of Al Qaeda. The book is not based on a personal and intimate knowledge of the man. It is, however, meticulously researched and he has woven in accounts and observations of those who did know Osama Bin Laden and witnessed his emergence as the undisputed leader of Al Qaeda.During rare interviews Bin Laden was soft spoken, almost shy and always polite. To the West he was a shadowy, elusive enemy the inspiration for fundamentalist terrorists. Information about the man was limited to propaganda and there was always the requirement for secrecy.This book offers some personal details about Osama Bin laden - the man. He was a man who never watched television apart from news items, he refused to have any "craven images", he never listened to music, he had four wives, he preferred to inspire through example rather than hysterical, fundamentalist rants.Perhaps knowing these more personal details helps us to understand the man. He was demonised, hated and feared by the West. To his own people he was almost mythical, highly revered and respected.This book is an excellent insight into Osama Bin Laden and his beliefs, his inspirations, his motives and his determination. It is also insightful into the often knee jerk reactions of the West. It is a credible, informative, authentic account easily read and easily understoodNow Osama Bin Laden is dead. The question is....what next? Read More