When I saw the transcript of OBL's speech last week I found it remarkably short, but then when you're on the run and in a cave the means to make a long video production may simply not be there. But it turns out there was much more: OBL lamenting the lack of violence in Afghanistan during the elections and the effect of the war on al-Qaeda's capabilities. I still do not see how this tape can materially impact the election although al-Jazeera's edit desperately tried to achieve that.

Generally the incredible amount of attention the tape has been getting will work to OBL's favor in the long run. His capability to wage war has been hampered severely and now we're helping him in opening another front: through the media. Not only is media traction a guarantee that whatever he decides to disseminate will get the undivided attention of his opponents in the west, it will also further solidify his position as the leader of the war that radical Islam is waging. Furthermore, he's not just addressing opponents, it will only be a matter of time before those that oppose the War on Terror will find stuff in OBL's tapes to suggest other more empathic ways to come to some sort of understanding with him. The latest tape provides lots of opportunities for that crowd and OBL must be laughing all the way: divide and rule. For those reasons alone he should be taken out as early as possible, a few more videos and we've created yet another unwanted and dangerous media star.

Other comments from INDC Journal and Bill Hobbs.

UPDATE: The media courting of OBL has already started ... in Germany.