The message was contained in a poor quality audio recording in which a man's voice, identified as Bin Laden's, is heard calling for suicide attacks against Americans and resistance to any attack on Iraq.

He gives practical tips on how Iraqis may resist a military attack by digging trenches and drawing fighting into the cities and carrying out suicide attacks.

US intelligence analysts said they believe the tape does indeed contain the voice of Bin Laden, and White House officials say the message heralds a "burgeoning alliance of terror".

In the past, the US has accused al-Jazeera of being a mouthpiece for al-Qaeda propaganda.

What do you think of the message? Should Muslims feel solidarity with Iraq? Was al-Jazeera right to broadcast the tape?

Thank you for your comments; this debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails is published below.

Al-Qaeda would welcome a war in the region, as instability would help them to stir up trouble for America's allies Michael, UK

In the Bin Laden tape it is quite clear that al-Qaeda regard Saddam Hussein with contempt, as an "infidel" and leader of a non-fundamentalist "socialist" Arab state. Their appeal to Muslims in Iraq is intended to cause trouble for America. I suspect that al-Qaeda would welcome a war in the region, as instability would help them to stir up trouble for America's allies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the other Gulf States. Given Saddam's situation I imagine he needed this tape like the hole in the head which he richly deserves.
Michael, UK

Not only does it provide the missing link between al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein, but, as mentioned previously here, it seems to have been "trailed" by Colin Powell before its actual release. How is this? Where is it coming from? Why do more sections of the media not ask these questions?
Lee Hambly, UK

Muslims should not feel solidarity with Iraq. Saddam is a threat to the development of democratisation and prosperity in the Middle East. He is bent on conquest. Osama bin Laden continues to twist a peaceful and sincere Islamic faith into a militant political tool infecting the Muslim faith with a diseased and paralysing perception of the world.
Matt Tapie, USA

This will definitely give his followers the go-ahead signal Alyce Douglas, USA

This definitely is getting very interesting. Bin Laden isn't stupid. He wants America to enter this war now. This will definitely give his followers the go-ahead signal. Bin Laden is just watching and waiting.
Alyce Douglas, USA

This is something that should not be taken lightly.
Ric, Uk

I think it is crazy and shameful that a major news network should broadcast a religious appeal to murder in the name of Allah, Jesus, Yahweh, Buddha or any other deity.
Inna Tysoe, Sacramento, California, USA

Al-Qaeda can only profit from this war Martin Stock, Germany

Always audio recordings, why? Either Bin Laden is already long dead or no more visibly presentable. And what has al-Qaeda to loose in this war? An ally? A country it can recruit people and money at? No. Nothing. Al-Qaeda can only profit from this war. Another country in this region with US troops stationed and US friendly government. A scenario to fear.
Martin Stock, Germany

This telecast comes at a great time. Now the great and holy United States has a solid scapegoat. Isn't this a bit Orwellian? How do we know, as the general public, that this telecast is property of the United States Government and was issued out to this Arab television station?
Tobias Douglas, Canada

It is sad that, given the state of Colin Powell's thoroughly questionable evidence last week, my first reaction was to ask myself if the US might have manufactured this tape to allow it to add weight to its previous claims (as it now has) that this represents a new "alliance of evil" between Iraq and al-Qaeda, and boost an otherwise unproven link. Anyone else feel this cynical?
Nick Murza, UK

Like so many other propaganda stunts and the infamous UK Iraq dossier, I find the timing of this and the so-called terrorist scares at London and American airports to be too co-incidental. Anyone wanting to spread panic could easily give false 'evidence' and didn't it fit nicely with the rantings from across the pond? Too neat by half.
Frank, , Chester, UK

A tape linking Bin Laden to Iraq appears immediately after the US and UK failed to prove such a link, what a wonderful coincidence!
James, Scotland

The broadcast only helps fuelling the prevalent paranoia. We know what to expect anyway, so what? At the end of the day, isn't whoever is behind the recording, just emulating Colin Powell's efforts?
Edmor, London, UK

Well, it would be more convincing, were it not for the fact that Colin Powell said he had read a transcript of it from Al-Jazeera, whereupon Al-Jazeera said they didn't even have the tape at that point. Oops!
Chris, UK

Saddam and bin Laden are both a threat to the world peace Allen, Australia

Saddam and Bin Laden are both a threat to the world peace, not only they will target America but also they are trying to rule the whole world. They are people who will try to achieve their goal by sacrificing their own people. They must be defeated, by people who believe in world peace.
Allen, Australia

The tape is very scary, and it does make the USA's case for war against Iraq much better. Does it seem to any of you that this tape "appears" at a time when the US desperately needs support from the Security Council and NATO members, not to mention their own citizens? I think it is just as likely a convenient fabrication as it is a genuine recording of Bin Laden.
Jason, Canada

I think it is some of his best work yet, but once again the Academy has passed him over.
Mike Hughes, USA

This is nothing more than propaganda aimed at increased tensions which are already at breaking point. I do not believe this is Osama bin Laden either.
Tom, England

We are a country of all religions and faiths. Muslims that live here know this and will not be duped into believing the words of a fanatic. We want peace and freedom only and are willing to fight for it. Don't ever believe it any other way!
David Keller, USA

Al-Jazeera has lost all credibility as a "news source" Robert Ross, Massachusetts USA

Al-Jazeera has lost all credibility as a "news source". It is shockingly irresponsible to willingly play messages that call out for the murder of a large and rather random group of people.
Robert Ross, Massachusetts USA

This Al-Qaeda bravado is a pure facade. The Islamists have no love for Saddam. Yet, they have much to fear of being deprived of a terror base in Iraq and a pro-Western government in Baghdad. Bin Laden and his nuts are on the run. Although Saddam is secular, the execution if a war against his regime is crucial if the West is to win this battle against Islamic fundamentalism.
Dan, UK

Very curious why an audio tape would be issued, and at this key time. If it was not Osama bin Laden then some Islamic individual or group is at play.
A.Rigby, Canada

A poor quality tape now. How convenient. Just as well Bin Laden isn't calling the Muslims of Britain to rise up; that would prove we had links to terrorism wouldn't it?
Dave Milne, Scotland

More scare mongering tactics that's all it is.
Geraldine, Hampshire UK

The timing of this tape could not be better for the US government Owen Jones, UK

Anyone who believes this tape is actually from bin Laden probably believes everything they read in the papers too. The timing of this tape could not be better for the US government; nothing weakens Saddam Hussain more than bin Laden coming out on his side. The US case for invasion of Iraq is running into the ground - this tape attempts to focus the question back onto al Qaeda, who have been almost forgotten in the last few months.
Owen Jones, UK

The Iraqi people can't wait for the day of liberation and are willing to sacrifice the few during this war. Iraq and the world must be free of evil men like bin Laden and Saddam.
Majed Mohammed, Living in the UK (Iraqi national)

This tape would not be usable any Court of Law in the Western world. Anyone could have made it. Does our Prime Minister think that removing Saddam Hussain will stop terrorism? The majority of people know the answer and are not stupid. That why they are against war!
Keith Shepherd, UK

It seems to me that every time US and/or UK get into difficulty convincing people it is necessary to attack Afghanistan or Iraq, a tape or threat of a terrorist attack is released
Eddie Moe, UK

Isn't it funny how every time the US feels the need to rally its people for action a Bin Laden tape pops up? This must be the third of fourth tape that has been found and yet we can't seem to find this guy.
Derek Johnson, USA

Another embarrassing fake. How did Colin Powell know Al-Jazerra had the tape before Al-Jazeera did?
Nick Tulett, UK

No more excuses, now you have your Iraq and Al-Qaeda connection France and Germany! Either join us in the fight for humanity or get out of the way.
Alex, USA

How convenient for this tape to appear just when the U.S. is doing everything possible to justify an attack. The propaganda never ends.
Bob, Canada

al-Jazeera was right to broadcast the tape as it proved that Powell was bending the truth so as to sway the public towards war. On it, Bin Laden clearly expressed his solidarity with the Iraqi people, and urged Moslems to fight 'the crusading armies'. But at the same time he blasted Saddam Hussein and the Baathists.

I notice that Fox News showed the entire tape. What happened to the secret messages they said Bin Laden sent to his followers?
Linda S Heard, Greece

It is in Bin Laden's interest that the US does attack Iraq David, UK

I distinctly remember Bin Laden calling Saddam an infidel in the interview - obviously Colin Powell chose to forget this important fact. Remember, he's the main obstacle for Islamic fundamentalism in Iraq. Do you really think a selfish dictator would align himself with a bunch of quasi-religious fanatics? He knows it's madness to attack or even provoke America, he'd be annihilated - the last thing a dictator who's interested in self-preservation would want. It is in Bin Laden's interest that the US does attack Iraq - what better way to stir anti-western feelings and get rid of a non-Islamist leader in the process?
David, UK

Isn't it coincidental that this tape arrives at such a time when both America and UK have increased home security levels!! One is left wondering if this isn't just a ploy of scaring the ordinary person into submission thus facilitating the public opinion that is most definitely required!
Antony, UK

Muslims might well feel a solidarity with the common people of Iraq, as I hope they would about Christians, Jews or anyone else forced to live under such a tyrannical regime (which in my view should be dealt with now, by force, as appears necessary). But they should not feel anything at the bequest of a man who, I had assumed, was generally acknowledged to be responsible for the deaths of thousands.
Christian Dwyer, UK

Hardly the words of someone with strong ties to the Iraqi regime! Jason Handby, UK

The only way the White House could claim that this provides evidence of a link between Bin Laden and Iraq is if they haven't actually listened to it. According to the transcript Bin Laden says '...fighting should be for the sake of the one God. It should not be for championing ethnic groups, or for championing the non-Islamic regimes in all Arab countries, including Iraq.' He also says 'Socialists are infidels wherever they are, whether they are in Baghdad or Aden. ' Hardly the words of someone with strong ties to the Iraqi regime!
Jason Handby, UK

Bin Laden's hardly in a position to destroy America, neither is Saddam. The tape is more of the same bluster and flannel that al-Qaeda delight in. It damages the US case for war on Iraq when it seems like Powell will say anything to link Bin Laden with Baghdad.
David, UK

If the tape is genuine or not the general idea was to call Muslims together to unite and fight against the invasion of the west into their counties/lands where they would set up their own western style democracies. Without wanting to sound like I support terrorism or the Iraqi dictatorship, he has a point!!
Matt, UK

I find it a bit too convenient that this message has suddenly appeared Matt, UK

I find it a bit too convenient that this message has suddenly appeared at the very moment America is struggling to justify going to war in Iraq. We are being asked to make a huge leap of faith and put trust in the information being fed to us by the Pentagon, but while there is someone in the White house who isn't there 'by the will of the people', we have about as much reason to believe America as we do Saddam Hussein. Remember, it was America who armed and trained both Saddam and Osama during Iraq's conflict with Iran and Afghanistan's conflict with the Soviet Union.
Matt, UK

Why no video? Bin Laden would love to show the world that the US has failed to kill him so why the poor quality audio? He's dead but his followers want to perpetuate the myth and the west want him as a perceived threat until it suits.
Mark, Scotland

Oh yeah, Bin Laden calls for the defence of Muslims in Iraq, and that somehow makes him allied with Saddam. This is very predictable of Bin Laden, exploiting Muslim grievances for his own ends, whether it be Palestine or Iraq. But I wish the U.S. administration would stop trying to make an al-Qaeda link with Saddam, they are making themselves look more foolish and undermining any credibility thats left of the Bush gang.
Mark, Australia

The al-Jazeera channel is not only a mouthpiece for al-Qaeda propaganda, but also for the tyrant Saddam Hussein. Dr Abu Talib, Iraq

As a Muslim I would like to say that this war is not religious war, and not war between Islam and Christianity, neither it is a war for oil. It is a war between civilization and tyrant. The al-Jazeera channel is not only a mouthpiece for al-Qaeda propaganda, but also a mouthpiece for the tyrant Saddam Hussein. Saddam and Bin Laden are 2 sides of the same coin. Both try to involve the whole middle east in their war by spreading false information to the naive people that this war is between religions. al-Jazeera is helping them in supporting terror.
Dr Abu Talib, Iraq

Interesting isn't it, that doubt has been cast over the authenticity of previous 'Bin Laden' messages? Now, when it suits Bush's obsession with war, the information is considered believable!
Fred, UK

The transcript is typical of the language of Bin Laden but there is no evidence of an established link between Saddam Hussein�s regime and Al-Qaeda. Bin Laden's ambition is to establish Islamic states throughout the Muslim countries, where as Saddam's is to extend his own power and influence. I do not think Saddam is stupid enough to supply Al-Qaeda and its associates with the means to dispose him.
Peter, UK

I do not trust Osama Carol Kearfott, USA

I do not trust Osama. He is very strategic in planning where the attack will occur next. Wait till his bombs start falling. Unfortunately we have to move very slowly in this war situation and back off. This is not the time. We do not have the man power. We have North Korea, Iraq, coupled with crazy people that we cannot negotiate with.
Carol Kearfott, USA

It's is very naive to suggest there is a link between Al-Qaeda and Iraq based on the tape. Using the same references one may draw the connection between Palestine and Al-Qaeda, or basically the entire Islamic community with Al-Qaeda. So-called American authorities should really take the public seriously and accept that we are not as stupid as they think we are.
Donna, UK

Although the tape proves nothing as to a link between the two factions, rest assured that, somewhere, some-place, there are people risking their lives trying to track down where that tape came from. I encourage them to continue broadcasting his inane religious tripe, because we need another hint as to where these tapes come from.
Kyle, USA

Funny isn't it? Previously the US administration has cast doubt and even scorn on the authenticity of these Bin Laden messages (although that may have been because Al-Jazeera got the scoop instead of CNN). But, strangely, no doubts at all this time! If Bush and Powell think that this cynicism is going to move European public opinion one jot their way then they are the ones who'll be getting the wake-up call.
Andy Richards, UK

If anything, this tape proves that Al-Qaeda gets support from Pakistan. Pakistan also has weapons of mass destruction. Pakistan is also led by a military dictator. When are we going to invade Pakistan?
Ken, UK

bin Laden is an opportunist Keith Legg, UK

Al-Jazeera was quite right to broadcast the tape - if it had been sent to the BBC or to NBC they would have broadcast it too, as is shown by the fight for the rights to show Tony Benn's interview with Saddam. But it still doesn't show a link between bin Laden and Iraq. All it does is show what we already know - that bin Laden is an opportunist who will do anything to get at the West.
Keith Legg, UK

Given Bush's obsession with having this war, I would not put it past his government to fabricate such tapes to ensure that the world sees a connection between al-Qaeda and Iraq.
Rossini, USA/Australia

I think the tape is genuine but there's nothing it to suggest that there's a link between Iraq and al-Qaeda.
Martin Thoday, UK

If George W Bush forces us all to go to war with Iraq he is just playing into Osama bin Laden's hands. This has to stop now. Bump up the numbers of weapons inspectors in Iraq, use stronger diplomatic measures with North Korea, do anything - EXCEPT go to war in the Middle East. We will achieve nothing but hundreds of recruits to the ranks of the suicide bombers.
Melanie Hancox, UK

In my opinion, it really seems quite doubtful that the tape is in fact Osama Bin Laden. While it is no doubt from an Islamic source, and therefore a security concern, the context, content, and manner of expression do not seem consistent with what would be expected from Bin Laden.
Robert Morpheal, Canada

Al Jazeera should be ashamed of itself. Paul, USA

Al Jazeera should be ashamed of itself. They are nothing but a second rate news organization with a noted anti-Western bias. If they actually had some courage and used it's coverage to help expose Saddam's horrible, brutal treatment of Iraqi citizens, then maybe people in the Middle East would understand why he needs to be replaced, and why Iraqi-American immigrants can't wait for him to be defeated.
Paul, USA

Al-Jazeera should not have telecasted. Since it has done so, the onus is on them to prove that the voice is of some mischief-monger and should apologise for the same in the interest of itself and the world.
Kishan Jessani, India

al-Qaeda is not stupid. They know this broadcast will increase the likelihood of a US-led attack on Iraq. In fact, they would very much like the US to invade Iraq, as it would create further hatred and discord between Islamic nations and the West. This was the goal of the 9-11 attacks, and this is the goal of today's broadcast. By attacking Iraq, the US will play right into al-Qaeda's hand. The only way to end the cycle of hatred and terror is with peace and diplomacy.
Joseph, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

The only thing a war in Iraq will do is give this terrorist more recruits. Trey, USA

This tape only shows one obvious fact, Osama Bin Laden is still alive and preaching his war of hatred? As an American I want to get this man, and get him now. That should be the number one target. The war on Iraq will only divert resources from that battle. For those Americans who seem to see a link, I would advise you to listen to the tape and not a politicians commentary on it. It is clearly someone, who is patent manipulator, taking advantage of a situation. The only thing a war in Iraq will do is give this terrorist more recruits. We need to find this man and bring him to justice. Anything that takes resources away from this hunt is militarily unsound.
Trey, USA

Considering how easily the Taleban and al Qaeda were driven from power in Afghanistan, I'm not sure they are the ones to give advice. Those who believe there is no link between terrorists and Iraq should take notice.
Nathan Barker, USA

Bin Laden is exploiting the Iraq crisis to dupe Muslims into believing his own cause for terrorism. His statements are nothing more than propaganda.
Ander, Georgia, USA

It's very scary. It also makes the USA case for war against Iraq much better. We as a civilized world must come together and change the structure of dictatorship in the middle east. It's the only way towards peace. We need to take care of these problems now before my children will have to. Like Bush said "free people will determine the future"
Ryan Tollefson, USA

Hopefully this will provide a wake-up call to France and Germany. Saddam and Bin Laden are both united in their determination to destroy America and we must defeat both of them before it's too late.
Eric, USA