Article: Martyring bin Laden May Increase Attacks
 

Summary

Publicly released evidence is pointing to Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden as the prime suspect in last week's terrorist attacks on the United States. The evidence found so far suggests that whoever planned the attacks is attempting to focus the blame, and inevitable U.S. reprisal, on bin Laden. But arresting or killing bin Laden may make a martyr out of him, and increase attacks on U.S. targets.

Analysis

Within hours of this week's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, two pieces of evidence emerged that seemingly pointed to the involvement of Saudi militant Osama bin Laden. A photograph of bin Laden was found in a rental car used by one of the suspected airplane hijackers, the Boston Herald reported, while AP reported that U.S. intelligence agencies intercepted communications between bin Laden supporters discussing the attacks.

It is unclear whether the people who left the photograph in the car, or whose calls were intercepted, were merely followers of bin Laden operating under his direct command or working for an entirely different fundamentalist faction. Either way, the clues may have been purposely left in order to direct U.S. reprisals toward bin Laden -- and make him a martyr for his cause.

Bin Laden already enjoys a devoted, if limited, following throughout the Muslim world. He is revered as one of the few Muslim leaders who have not compromised with the United States and continues to fight to preserve the purity of radical Islam.

It is still unclear who left the clues behind, but the ease at which they were uncovered raises questions. A theatrical and rather obvious gesture like leaving a photograph of bin Laden is inconsistent with the professionalism and coordination the terrorists had earlier shown in pulling off the hijackings.

This inconsistency is also seen in the breaking of communications silence so soon after the operation, and speaking over what was probably an electronic communications device. Reports suggest that bin Laden and his top leadership have stayed away from electronic communications since the U.S. cruise missile strike on Afghanistan in 1998.

Assuming that neither piece of evidence was fabricated by the United States, it is very possible that the hijackers wanted the attack to be blamed on bin Laden. Whether they were a rival faction or loyal followers of bin Laden, the hijackers likely had the same goal -- hoping that the savagery of the attacks would force the United States to respond in kind. Whether it takes months or years, the United States has little choice but to either arrest or kill bin Laden.

But bin Laden's death would not cripple the activities of militant Muslim fundamentalists. U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld speculated Sept.16 that there were likely at least 10 or 20 men who could take bin Laden's place. And his network is composed on individual, autonomous cells that are capable of operating independently.

Rather, bin Laden's "martyrdom" would likely serve as inspiration for increased terrorist attempts on U.S. targets. His death or imprisonment at the hands of the United States would raise him to the status of legend. It would be a rallying point for fundamentalist Muslims of all persuasions. Elevated to near mythical status, a martyred bin Laden would prove an immense boost to terrorist organizations for recruitment, funding and inspiration.

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