Home Even Osama bin Laden acknowledged climate change
Region

Even Osama bin Laden acknowledged climate change

Chris Graham

bin ladenYour average Republican will tell you climate change is bunk. Osama bin Laden, otherwise stuck in the sixth century, conceded the 21st century reality.

Drought in Africa and flooding in Pakistan were evidence of climate change, wrote bin Laden, in a letter addressed to “My Islamic Nation,” recovered from the compound in Abbotabad in which he was hiding and ultimately killed by U.S. forces in a 2011 raid.

In the letter, bin Laden warns that people “victimized by the current climate change” is “expected to rise.”

The letter addressed bin Laden’s desire to see Muslims band together to address humanitarian needs of those impacted by climate change.

“You have seen one of your Muslim brothers in Pakistan, covered in water up to his chest while trying with both hands to hold two of his five- or six-year-old children above water. So, have you wondered what might have happened to the rest of his children, or haven’t you heard about the women who are imploring you by Allah, the Glorious and Almighty, divine right to come to their rescue. It is incumbent, upon everyone who is capable, to aid the Muslims in Pakistan and demonstrate concern towards their precious being.

“Millions of children are left in the open, without a suitable living environment, including good drinking water, which has exposed them to dehydration, dangerous diseases and higher death rates. I pray to Allah Almighty to grant them both relief and mercy.”

Bin Laden cited the “high frequency of such disasters caused by climate change” as the impetus for the establishment of a Muslim relief organization that could deal with the “more frequent, diverse and massive consequences of climate changes.”

But then, bin Laden wasn’t trying to win an election in Fox News America.

– Column by Chris Graham

 
 




Featured Video

 

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

Latest News

uva football beau pribula tony elliott mike ingalls
Football, Go 'Hoos

UVA Football: The deepest dive you will ever get to explain the issues at QB

AI-driven test AI artificial intelligence business workplace automation
Politics, Virginia

Spanberger lays out framework for state AI plan, chides Trump for inaction

I don’t know that the executive directive from Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger directing the development of an AI plan of action is ultimately going to save us all, but she’s not just calling it SI and moving on.

soccer
Go 'Hoos, Sports

Soccer: UVA men draw with Syracuse; UVA women draw with Clemson

Sami Oulouheu gave Virginia an early lead, but a goal just before the halftime whistle leveled the score as the ‘Hoos drew with Syracuse on Saturday in upstate New York.

data center business information server computer
Local, Politics

David Colton | Analysis: Where do they put a data center in Augusta County?

community calendar
Local

Community Calendar: The latest on the local cultural events schedule

ben cline
Politics

Reese Bull | Ben Cline: The barbarian behind the scenes in Congress

beth macy ben cline
Politics

Tracy Pyles | It is time to end this cruelty; Beth Macy will, Ben Cline won’t