U.S. sceptical of Osama tape

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, OCT. 8. The Bush administration is officially playing down the significance of the Osama bin Laden tape that is being aired almost continuously since the start of `Operation Enduring Freedom'.

The tape shows Osama praising the terrorists who unleashed horror in New York and Washington on September 11 and warning the U.S. that it will have to suffer from the threat of insecurity.

The tape, which started making the airwaves soon after the start of military operations against Afghanistan, was apparently not seen by the U.S. President, Mr. George W. Bush. He was apparently having lunch with some aides when the first footages were aired on television.

And the White House Spokesman was sceptical of the tape, not only in how it was produced but also on the contents.

``The Taliban and Osama bin Laden have said all kinds of things that are often at odds with reality. What he (meaning Osama) says is not as important as what he's done,'' Mr. Ari Fleischer said.

Administration officials are also paying close attention to what is happening by way of reaction from allies.

Thus far Washington has been getting broad support and encouragement from only the Western world. Critical Arab nations such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia have said very little in public.

This is where the real backing would have to come from if the ``coalition'' is going to stand.

What is taking place inside the U.S. is something that has been hardly seen before - increased and enhanced security at almost every vital installation.

In fact when `Operation Enduring Freedom' began, the Vice- President, Mr. Dick Cheney, was taken away to a secret location and is believed to be still there, but is in close touch with the President and other main actors.

There is so much fortification around the airports, but measures which are not resented by the travelling public. At the Ronald Reagan National Airport here, the U.S. Marshalls and the National Guards are out in strength to augment the local police.

Nothing is being left to chance and there are no exceptions.

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Section  : International
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