A new statement attributed to Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, strongly urges Muslims to demonstrate solidarity with Iraq. The new statement, recorded on an audio tape, was broadcast on Tuesday by the satellite television network Al Jazeera, based in Qatar. The voice said to belong to bin Laden claims to have closely followed the U.S. plans for an attack on Iraq and promises to support Iraq against the U.S., advising Iraq to engage in a long war against 'enemy forces.' Richard Boucher, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, told Al Jazeera that this statement clearly indicates a connection between al-Qaeda and the Iraqi regime. A White House official stated that the tape attributed to bin Laden appears to be authentic.
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Bin Laden: Muslims Should Show Solidarity with Iraq - 2003-02-12
Feb 11, 2026
February 11, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Osama bin Laden calls for Muslims to support Iraq amidst U.S. invasion plans. The statement, broadcast by Al Jazeera, suggests a connection between al-Qaeda and the Iraqi regime. This is significant as it highlights the geopolitical tensions and alliances in the region during the lead-up to the Iraq War.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
Bin Laden's call for Muslim solidarity with Iraq underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics leading up to the Iraq War.
👥 Key Players
Osama bin Laden
MENTIONED
Leader of al-Qaeda
"Bin Laden was a key figure in global jihadist movements and his statements influenced Islamist sentiments across the Middle East, including Iran."
U.S. State Department
MENTIONED
Government body responsible for foreign affairs
"The U.S. was a primary actor in the Iraq War, and its policies directly affected regional stability and Iran's strategic calculations."
Al Jazeera
MENTIONED
Satellite television network
"Al Jazeera played a crucial role in disseminating information in the Arab world, shaping public opinion and political discourse."
📰 What Happened
Osama bin Laden issued a statement urging Muslims to support Iraq in the face of impending U.S. military action. This statement was broadcast by Al Jazeera and suggested a connection between al-Qaeda and the Iraqi regime.
- The statement was recorded on an audio tape and broadcast on February 12, 2003.
- Richard Boucher from the U.S. State Department indicated that the statement implied a link between al-Qaeda and Iraq.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran viewed the U.S. invasion of Iraq as a threat to its regional influence and security, and bin Laden's call for solidarity could rally anti-U.S. sentiments.
🌍 Regional: The statement highlighted the potential for increased sectarian tensions and the alignment of various Islamist groups against U.S. intervention.
🌐 International: The U.S. interpreted the statement as evidence of a connection between al-Qaeda and Iraq, influencing its justification for the invasion.
📚 Background
In the early 2000s, the U.S. was preparing for military action in Iraq, which was seen as part of a broader strategy to reshape the Middle East post-9/11. Bin Laden's statements were aimed at galvanizing support against U.S. forces.
Iraq War
U.S.-Middle East relations
📡 Source:
INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
Al Jazeera is generally considered a credible source, but its coverage may reflect regional biases and perspectives.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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