Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Monique Cala University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

James Phillips, a senior research fellow with a focus on Middle Eastern affairs at the Heritage Foundation, says that the recent tape allegedly featuring Osama Bin Laden taking credit for the failed Christmas eve bombing of a commercial airliner shows desperation from the terrorist leader.

"He was so desperate to get his name back in circulation he would attach his name to this failed situation," said Phillips told Talk Radio News.

"One interesting aspect of the latest Bin Laden tape is that it was entitled 'Osama to Obama,'" Phillips added. "Osama wants to be seen the equal of a U.S. President."

Although Phillips contends that Bin Laden may be appearing weaker, he does not believe that should give the U.S. an excuse to abandon their search.

"The catching or killing of Bin Laden would be an important signal that the United States will not rest until it's brought to justice those who indiscriminately murder American citizens," said Phillips.

Phillips discussed the authenticity of the audio tape saying that to his knowledge none thus far have been fake. He does think that it is important to recognize the fact that Bin Laden only sends audio and not video, as to not give any clue away to where he might be or of his appearance.