The BBC reports al-Jazeera has broadcast an audio tape it says was by Osama Bin Laden.
In the tape warns that new attacks on the US are being planned, but offers a "long-term truce" to the Americans.
If confirmed, it would be the first time Bin Laden has been heard from since December 2004.
Reuters reports this quotation from the tape:
"The operations are under preparation and you will see them in your houses as soon as they are complete, God willing," said the speaker on the audio tape, who sounded like bin Laden.
UPDATE: According to the Associated Press the tape claims heightened security is not the reason there have been no attacks in the U.S. since the Sept. 11, 2001:
Instead, the reason is "because there are operations that need preparations," he said.
"The delay in similar operations happening in America has not been because of failure to break through your security measures. But the operations are happening in Baghdad and you will see them here at home the minute they are through (with preparations), with God's permission," he said.
The tape offers a to allow rebuilding Afghanistan and Iraq:
"We do not mind offering you a long-term truce with fair conditions that we adhere to," he said. "We are a nation that God has forbidden to lie and cheat. So both sides can enjoy security and stability under this truce so we can build Iraq and Afghanistan, which have been destroyed in this war. There is no shame in this solution, which prevents the wasting of billions of dollars that have gone to those with influence and merchants of war in America."
If the tape is authentic it is an acknowledgement of our success in the War Against Terror. Why else would bin Laden call for a truce?
At Flopping Aces, Curt agrees posting that "if you check out the history of these organizations, when a truce is offered it usually means they are having a bit of trouble and wishing to buy time."
More at CNN, The Counterterrorism Blog, The Strata-Sphere, Michelle Malkin, and Riehl World View.
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