February 26, 2004
Osama bin Laden, the terrorist suspected of master-minding the attacks of September 11, 2001, released another recording, CIA officials said today. In contrast to his recent releases, which have been recorded, spoken messages, the new recording is a compilation of songs or a "mix tape."
Despite the innocuous appearance, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said that the tape is still cause for concern, prompting him to upgrade the terror-alert level to orange.
"Clearly, this terrorist has put an evil spin on American songs," Ridge said of the tape.
For example, the tape contains the current Britney Spears hit, "Toxic," which Ridge claims is a direct threat to United States chemical and nuclear facilities. Bin Laden also includes "The First Cut Is the Deepest," by Sheryl Crow, clearly threatening further attacks, Ridge said.
The tape also contains the song "Invisible," by American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken. Ridge said the inclusion of the song was clearly a boast of the terrorist’s success in eluding capture, despite the apprehending of numerous high ranking members of al-Qaida, the terrorist organization associated with bin Laden.
The tape includes "My Immortal," by Grammy-winners Evanescence. Ridge said the song is most likely included as a tribute to Allah or perhaps the terrorist’s own immortal soul.
Conspicuously absent is "White Flag," a song by UK recording artist Dido, CIA authorities said.
"Clearly, he has no intent of surrendering," one anonymous CIA official said of bin Laden.
The official also said that the tape was current, since some of the songs included on it were released only recently.
In addition to bin Laden’s other international crimes, the tape also prompted officials to add copyright infringement to the list of the terrorist’s offences.
Authorities were puzzled, however, by the inclusion of the pop hit "Crazy In Love" by Grammy-winner Beyonce Knowles. "The lyrics contain no reference to anything threatening," Ridge said. "Maybe he’s just a fan. Maybe he’s admitted he’s crazy. At this point, we really don’t know."
reported in jest by John Eischeid