Bin Laden: Guilty as charged?

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that the "overwhelming" evidence leaves him in "no doubt" that Osama Bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network were responsible for the US terrorist attacks.

Mr Blair said the attacks bore all the hallmarks of a Bin Laden operation, including long-term planning and a determination to inflict mass casualties.

Three of the 19 terrorists identified from passenger lists on the hijacked flights used in the attacks were "known associates" of Bin Laden and one had played a key role in some of his earlier attacks on US targets.

In addition, one of Bin Laden's closest lieutenants had said he helped plan the attacks and admitted al-Qaeda's involvement.

Are you fully convinced by the evidence given that Osama Bin Laden and al-Qaeda are responsible for the attacks? Do you think all the evidence should be given to the public?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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Your reaction

What evidence is there that Bin Laden is responsible? He has publicly stated many times that he is at war with America - well before September 11th. He has publicly stated that it is the duty of all Muslims to kill all Americans. He has publicly stated responsiblity for the USS Cole bombing in his recruitment video. His spokesman stated this week that American Muslims should stay off airplanes and out of tall buildings, because the attacks on America will "continue". What more do you want?
Tom C., US

To just keep repeating, "We know he's guilty," is not enough.

Rosa, USA

There is an International extradition procedure that should have been used. Even though we're at war with terrorism, the acts of September 11 were never claimed by any group. Osama bin Laden may very well be guilty or the "front man" for the group of terrorist cells. But by not showing the Taliban the same kind of evidence that we would present to any other country when asking for a person's extradition, we are demonstrating to them our muscle makes us right and that normal extradiction rules don't apply. Instead, we've chosen to bomb one of the poorest war torn countries in the world. For the government and the media to just keep repeating, "We know he's guilty," is not enough.
Rosa, USA

For there to be any kind of meaningful trial, the accused has to be present. This can be done in one of two ways; voluntarily, with a summons/subpoena, or forcibly, with an arrest warrant. Mr. Bin Laden and his protectors have opted for the latter. And the burden of proof for a warrant is not "beyond a reasonable doubt," but rather "reason to believe".
Zach Lies, U.S.A.

I don't think we would spend this kind of money or effort unless we were sure the Taliban and Osama bin Laden were guilty. What they do to their own people is reason enough for me to think they are capable of this terrible act. If it was an American group of terrorists who did this to their country, I believe we would do anything to bring them to justice. American citizens would demand it!
Margie, USA

The true enemy is the secular and political ambition of Islam

G.P., USA

The real issue is that, sooner, or later, the western powers must come to the realization that the true enemy is the secular and political ambition of Islam, not the religion itself. Bin Laden is just one of its most extreme proponents. Globalisation has brought this conflict to a head. Islam, in its practical application, is the least tolerant religion in the world. Just visit any Islamic country. Do not believe the Imans of the West. They are agents of influence.
G.P. USA

One has to trust that our governments would not have been so swift to act had they not had concrete proof of guilt. None of us has the right to see the evidence if releasing it would endanger the lives of those who were responsible for actually getting it. We are used to getting all the facts but sometimes it is not appropriate to release these. We elected these people, one could argue that point in the case of Mr Bush but if we didn't trust them, we shouldn't have voted them in. Personally, whilst I have huge sympathy for the suffering of the Afghan people, we put our own lives in danger if we do not stop this terrorism now.
Kelly, American/UK

Bin Laden may very well be guilty. After four weeks of following the story, the Americans have not produced compelling evidence. One thing I strongly believe is that the September 11 attack by the terrorists was a result of the perceived injustice of America. The reaction of America has demonstrated that this perception is in fact reality.
Eric, Dominica

Evidence? What evidence? If one or two politicians say something does this mean it is evidence? The US does not need evidence if it is to proof their position as a super power. What does super power mean anyway? To be able to force your will onto all other countries and have everybody think, act and live in what the Americans call a free world? Congratulations to Europe! America calls and Europe jumps, as usual. Are we already the 53rd state?
Heinz, Austria

I don't believe in religion but I do believe in God

Kelly, USA

I can't believe that in this day and age people cannot learn to live together because we are different. You have your beliefs and I have mine, don't push your beliefs on me and I won't push my beliefs on you! But can't we still live together? Religion is what this is all about and it started years ago. What is religion? Traditions and rituals made up by men who claim they were told by their God to make laws and rules. I don't believe in religion but I do believe in God. But guess what? I'm in America so I can do that without being persecuted for it. I support anything that my country must do to ensure my freedom. What about you? Are you free to believe what you want to? Maybe you too should support whatever is necessary to protect your freedom and your rights.
Kelly, USA

As an ordinary citizen I have been shown no evidence to prove who was responsible for the atrocities. If the fact that Tony Blair or George Bush say, it was Bin Laden is adequate proof to declare war on Third World countries, then who am I to argue. However, it would be nice for the public to know the facts and be able to evaluate their validity before being expected to condone another massive atrocity.
Diane, Canada

It is unfortunate that our governments have told us that the evidence against Osama bin Laden is "compelling", although not yet fit to be released. If the Americans manage to catch Bin Laden alive and put him on trial, how could they now put together an unbiased jury?
Peter, Netherlands

The CIA and FBI became totally ineffective before the attacks in US, but became very effective within hours to point out who did it?
Muftee, Sweden

Everybody is missing the point by asking for evidence to link Bin Laden to the bombing

Sam, USA

Everybody is missing the point by asking for evidence to link Bin Laden to the bombing. The real issue is ongoing terrorism by Jihadis around the world - the twin tower bombing is a part of it. Bin Laden is not the only one target - all his cronies and Jihadis who have been responsible for killings from bombing of our embassies, ships, hijackings, kidnapping and killing our civilians across the world will have to pay the price. Bin Laden and his supporters, whether in Afghanistan or elsewhere as we all know have been proven to be the culprits. Let's not get fooled by their sympathizers and covert supporters who are asking for more proof.
Sam, USA

One problem I noticed is that the US and UK expect to capture Osama and Taleban so quickly. I thought it took the Soviets 10 years and they still couldn't capture Afghan fully. If the US meets it's goals quickly all the countries will still support it, but if it takes a year and people are dying and the Taleban and US are still fighting in the mountains terrain, the support will be lost.
Jamal, Canada

There is adequate evidence that al-Qaeda has done it, but there also seems to be evidence that they did not do it by themselves. This event may be the result of the merger of fanatic groups of similar ideas.
Lincoln, UK

I had no doubts about Bin Laden involvement in the attacks from the first. But the question remains even if he is the mastermind and planner of these attacks, is he really the top man? Is there anyone or any network that controls him and gives instructions? Are they only Muslims (that I think it has nothing to do with religion other than having a mask to hide the face)? To me it appears to have more financial assets than a blind retaliation or avenge against the Western world!
Amirhossein Ghajar, Iran

Evidence to indict should be presented to the Hague, not the public

Maureen, USA

This case should not be tried in the media. Evidence to indict should be presented to the Hague, not the public. The charge: crimes against humanity. This heinous crime may have been committed on American soil, but the lives lost encompassed citizens from around the world, and should be treated accordingly.
Maureen, USA

I feel that before pointing out at someone, concrete evidence should produce.
Syed Arif, India

When Mr. Bush claims that he is leading the US economy in the right direction, there are many in the US who are sceptical of his remarks - but strangely when the same Bush claims that Osama is the villain, people are ready to accept his statements at face value. This only proves that people believe only what they want to believe. The truth is secondary. This attitude is fine as long it does not effect others - but once you make judgements on others based on this attitude - well that's going to create more problems than solving any.
Abdullah, Malaysia

I think the September 11 is the produce of another hand other than Osama Bin Laden, since Osama has no such sophisticated technology and intelligence support in America. If USA doubts on Osama why they are fearing to release the proofs in front of the people? Punishment is not decided by a victim, but a court of law. In this case also want the same to keep the Rule of Law.
Iqbal, India

What evidence? How could we be convinced by it if we haven't seen it?
Andrew Barry, New Zealand

In a democratic and free society, one is innocent until proved guilty. So although Bin Laden may be many nasty things, he is innocent until he is tried and proved guilty in an international court. But the Americans refuse to do this. Secondly, the accused must know what the evidence against him is - but the Americans refuse to show the Taleban what evidence they have against Bin Laden. And thirdly, as a lawyer I'm not at all convinced about the evidence that has been shown to us. Most of it is conjecture, speculation and at most, circumstantial. What we're seeing here is a PR exercise in the guise of 'evidence' so that people can go after an easy target in order to satisfy their lust for revenge, or in order to be seen to be doing something.
Bilal Patel, London, UK

Any kind of evidence imaginable could be faked perfectly

Malcolm McMahon York, UK

Let's face it, all this is going on at a level where any kind of evidence imaginable could be faked perfectly. Thus, few minds would be changed by a dossier of evidence, and no thinking, impartial jury (let alone a Taleban court) could conceivably be put "beyond a reasonable doubt."
Malcolm McMahon, York, UK

Anyone who conducted a bit of research could have written most of it

Matt,UK

Having read the dossier submitted by the UK government, it makes interesting reading but nothing more. Anyone who conducted a bit of research could have written most of it. Certainly anyone could write a list of things others are known to have done. However, proving it is another matter and what the government has produced, in this respect, is woefully inadequate.
Matt, UK

By not releasing their supposed evidence, Bush and Blair are making a mockery of the very concept of justice. Could you imagine a court case where the prosecution says, "Sorry but we can't provide any evidence. You must trust us. Anyway, we will now execute the accused as well as those living with him."
Pir, UK

There is lots of insinuation and very little direct evidence

Paul Miller, England

I think that he is most probably responsible but the evidence that was presented by the UK Government is hardly compelling. There is lots of insinuation and very little direct evidence. The most interesting part is buried deep down in the report - a cryptic point about evidence that cannot be released. This must be very damning because the rest of the report seems extremely lightweight.
Paul Miller, England

I am certain that he is guilty. And if he is as much for "brotherhood" as he would like people to believe, why doesn't he surrender instead of dragging down Afghanistan and perhaps much, much more with him?
Natassia Khan, UK

If there is hard evidence, for goodness sake, show us all. I think everyone wants to believe we know who did it in order to be able to feel right about what we may be about to do to Afghanistan.
Moorman, USA

Whatever will destroy him and his racket. He treats the West as fair game; he, his allies and his sympathizers should suffer the same.
T.J. Cassidy, USA

They have made their aims public so let them suffer the consequences

K.W., UK

Having worked in military intelligence in the past, I'm convinced that if the US and UK governments say Bin Laden's group is responsible then that is sufficient proof for me. As to whether the evidence should be made public, of course it shouldn't. Bin Laden and his associates and supporters should be "quietly eliminated" - there can be no question of a trial for people like these. They have made their aims public so let them suffer the consequences.
K.W., UK

The evidence against Osama Bin Laden, though substantial, is not proven. Imagine this was a smaller issue and was in the federal courts. Right now there would be much speculation about his sentence. We can't let anger get to our heads and cloud up evidence to make it valid.
William McClain, USA

Yes, all evidence should be made public. We should also be informed of the facts surrounding past attempts to assassinate Osama Bin Laden - when, why, and by whom.
dwyn kovacs, Canada

I think there is a general mistrust of government and intelligence-gathering authorities that will cause people to question any moral decision they try to sell us. This is probably due to their history of dubious decisions that were transparently politically motivated. Whether the public is convinced or not, the military powers have already made their decisions and once the strikes begin, it will be impossible to reverse, and Bin Laden's guilt or innocence will be accademic.
Mustapha AH, UK

Guilt is not the issue, this is a matter of self-defence

Ron, USA

Bin Laden has said the killing of Americans and their civilian and military allies is a religious duty. Guilt is not the issue, this is a matter of self-defence.
Ron, USA

The Taleban has asked for proof against Osama bin Laden before taking action against him. If there is such undeniable evidence, why doesn't the US government show it to Taliban? If Afghanistan or Pakistan wanted the US or UK to hand over an American or British citizen without giving proof, or without even negotiating, would America or Britain comply? In Britain's case, it has repeatedly refused to extradite even known Pakistani criminals against whom ample proof was presented to the British government. Such stubbornness and lack of rationalism from the developed world proves only one thing: might is right.
Imran, Pakistan

Events will reveal Osama to be undeniably involved in this crime. However, a trial must be held or the precedent of circumventing legal procedure could be used by a number of powerful groups for vastly different purposes. This danger is far more serious than the potential disruption of the CIA's information network.
Matt, New Zealand

Evidence which will not compromise anyone's safety should be handed over

Josh, USA

I think the evidence should be handed over, but unfortunately some of this evidence in turn can and will reveal our level of intelligence, thus alerting terrorists to use new communication methods, and in turn putting more innocent lives in danger. Evidence which will not compromise anyone's safety should be handed over.
Josh, USA

To prove that he is guilty we need a trial in a court of law, not by the media, as is happening now. If the attacks were against the civilized world and democracy, then the USA and UK governments should behave in a civilized way, not like cowboys.
Paul Numan, London, UK

Let the elected governments decide what is right and take the decisions for their people

Muzammil, India

Everyone seems to be blaming Bin Laden, or asking for evidence. It is best to leave such things to competent authorities to decide. People who have minimal knowledge of international politics and terrorism should not go around blowing their trumpets. Let the elected governments decide what is right and take the decisions for their people.
Muzammil, India

I'm certain that Bin Laden is related to this attack. We will just have to accept that there is no way our governments can give too much information. It would result in many informant deaths, and destroy our ability to find out about future attacks. It is ridiculous to claim that the US and the UK have fabricated the evidence. The evidence comes from many different countries. Much of it comes from France, who we all know never looks to do either the US or the UK any favours. Not one country, including many Islamic countries, has disputed the evidence. They all agree that it is sufficient. The Taleban can ask to see this evidence all they like, but it has grown increasingly evident that showing the evidence to the Taleban would be the equivalent of showing it to Bin Laden himself.
Chris Daniel, USA

While the BBC and CNN keep on pushing these accusations against Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden, the majority of the world knows that these two parties were not involved in the tragic crime committed on September 11th. The Western media's attempts to convince the public only prove that the USA and the Western world are covering up for someone. If the FBI investigate Mossad, the CIA, Sharon, Bush and Powell they will find the truth behind the conspiracy.
Mauff, SA

This evidence was carefully complied by the same agencey who arrested Sikhs thinking they were Osama's men!
Sukhpreet Singh, India, Chandigadh

Osama Bin Laden guilty? I don't know

David Price, Australia

Osama Bin Laden guilty? I don't know. What I do know from various news reports is that he declared war on the USA and its allies in the 1990s. Therefore as President Bush has declared war on terrorists, Bin Laden may as well be the first to be eliminated. I wouldn't be surprised if undercover Western forces have already rid us of this menace. President Bush has said that we will never know the whole truth of what happens in this war. Also this war will never end, as there will always be people who oppose others and will go to any means to justify their beliefs.
David Price, Australia

Because destruction occurred on a large scale within the USA this time, emotions have overcome common sense. Some of the statements issued by President Bush and other Western leaders also reflected that. I don't have any sympathy for Bin Laden but I am sure that he would have enough courage to accept the responsibility for these attacks if he were guilty. The roots of these attacks are within the USA.
Abrar, Kuwait

If he isn't guilty and has nothing to hide, why doesn't he give himself up for trial? We have already seen that the courts in the Hague can deliver justice where required, for all parties involved.
Alan Knipmeyer, London, UK

Blair has no right to prejudge

Dr I Ghanem, Aden & UK

When a lawyer such as PM Blair confuses what is, at most, prima facie evidence with what he calls overwhelming and compelling evidence, then any fair trial has been prejudiced, assuming the evidence is sufficient for an indictment. I do not think that Blair is wrong to act as an examining magistrate in a political case, but he has no right to prejudge.
Dr I Ghanem, Aden & UK

Those who say that Bin Laden must be tried in an international court are essentially arguing that sovereign states do not have the right to act in self-defence. If someone had done this to London, I would not be in favour of letting the international community or courts decide what actions Britain should take. Instead, I would hope that the US would back the UK in doing whatever was considered an appropriate response.
Michael, England

Bin Laden was US public enemy number one even before the September 11th attacks. I believe the Americans are implicating Bin Laden on previous evidence from other attacks, and don't have any concrete evidence of the current attack. This whole exercise is to cool down the anger of American public. It seems a face saving campaign because they need a scapegoat, and who else but public enemy number one becomes the target? If Americans can not publicize the evidence now then I would hope that they will do when they catch Bin Laden and put him on trial in a court of law. But this is highly unlikely because they will kill him rather than capture him. If there is any proof then it should be put before public now. Doing so would build a massive public support for the leaders they could count on if things became nasty in the war.
Shahid Mian, Australia

Since there is no clear evidence against Osama Bin Laden (a brave man), he is not considered guilty. It's very clearly a conspiracy cooked up by the West and it's allies in the Middle East. Islam is always targeted by the West, but it will never be weakened whatever the enemy is capable of. America has to review it's policies towards the Muslim countries otherwise it will get a lot of trouble in the days to come
Haider Hassan, Sudan

"Dead or alive." Justice without trial. Is this democracy? We should judge others' deeds like we judge our own. If we're ready to sentence someone to death without trial then we should be ready to accept it if they do the same to us. We have a chance to show that we aren't on the same level of morality as the terrorists.
Veli-Pekka, Finland

Why can't the evidence be presented to a neutral country

M Kuruparan, Sri Lanka

No one has seen the proof. But the UK and the USA say they have enough evidence to prove that Mr Bin Laden is responsible for that attack. If so, why can't they present it to a neutral country which is acceptable to both the parties and prove beyond the slightest doubt that Bin Laden is responsible for that attack? Then US & UK can take appropriate action to punish him.

The UN is a useless dummy organization which will approve whatever the US does. The FBI is notorious for forging documents and evidence. They have in the past hidden evidence from a Court of Law, so how can we trust them? The US government trained Bin Laden and his organization, so the US should convict FBI & CIA also. The US government have no moral right to punish Bin Laden or his organization.
M Kuruparan, Sri Lanka

There is no doubt in my mind that Bin Laden is guilty even though it was associates linked to him that physically carried out the attacks. All the finance, planning, final decision, and the date to strike were authorised by him and needed his financing. These attacks took years to plan and only a person with Bin Laden's personal hatred and conviction of the US could have taken so much time, money, effort and resources to actually go through with it and want to attack the US on its own soil. Over the past decade Bin Laden caused destruction outside the US and one can now sense his need to have hit the US itself in order to make a point. Previously attacks took place abroad and after a while attention was forgotten which fuelled his desire to cause mass destruction as he did on September 11 in the US itself.
Stuart Harris, UK

Stuart Harris says that only a person with Bin Laden's conviction could attack the US on its own soil. So I take it that Osama Bin Laden was the mastermind in the Oklahoma bombing as well? People, please say something sensible.
Shuja, Dubai, UAE

If Tony Blair says he has such strong proof why can't we see it?

Karim, Colchester, UK

If I had been on one of the planes that crashed, because of my name and my country of origin I am sure the FBI would have said I was a hijacker! If Tony Blair says he has such strong proof why can't we see it? If Ahmad Rassam was part of Bin laden organization why can't we hear him say that? I am not defending Bin Laden or anyone but I believe there is something much bigger behind this. It was way too sophisticated for one man living in Afghanistan to have masterminded it. If there is such strong proof, let's see it. Why are Governments so scared of making it public?
Karim, Colchester, UK

I am certain that most of the evidence comes via highly confidential informants who work in the intelligence services of countries like Iraq, Syria, Lybia or Iran. Maybe the CIA has a source or two in Bin Laden's inner circle. To reveal this evidence would place a death sentence on those sources. It would mean losing not just that source of vital information, but would also ruin any chances of obtaining future confidential informants. These spies are absolutely essential in intelligence gathering.
Neal, USA/UK

Within hour of the plane crash President Bush told the world that Osama bin Laden was the prime suspect. That means that the decision to attack Afghanistan or kill Osama Bin Laden was decided immediately after the WTC attack, or maybe months before. Then why does the USA or UK need proof against Bin Laden? This was their basic plan and they will attack Afghanistan with or without proof. The USA has done this before and will do it again and again unless we stop them. Bush is going to please his countrymen by killing innocent people.
Akefa, India

Bin Laden was either involved in the 11th September acts or at the least economically supportive of them

Bill, US

It always amuses me to hear people suggest holding a trial for Bin Laden and his cronies. These people aren't the Nazis, they're much too intelligent to leave a paper trail in triplicate of what crimes they have committed. Given his phobia of electronic equipment, I highly doubt there is a video available of al-Qaeda hatching this scheme. What we do have is his repeated proclamations of death against all Americans, the Israelis, and Western Civilization. This taken together with his acknowledgment of previous acts of terrorism (African embassies, USS Cole, etc) which in themselves would warrant his incarceration, surely suggests that Mr Bin Laden was either highly involved in the 11th September acts or at the least economically supportive of them.
Bill, US

I am certainly not a supporter of Osama Bin Laden, but I think that we as a people have not seen enough proof. Osama is responsible for inciting so many emotions, hatred and deadly fatwas against those whose lifestyles do not meet his expectations that it is logical for the West to take this opportunity to attack him and his roots even if there is insufficient proof.
Sanjeev Sharma, Canada

A man is innocent until proven guilty. However, there is sufficient evidence to press charges against Bin Laden, given the fact that he issued a religious edict calling for death to American servicemen and civilians alike. He should be brought to justice in a US court because this crime was committed over US soil.
Victor, NY, USA

I find it difficult to believe he was the one behind this

Steve J Rees, Australia

I find it difficult to believe he was the one behind this. Without a doubt his organisation and people played a significant role in the logistics, resourcing and execution. But I think there is something far more sinister to all this. I suspect this is more likely the work of someone within the Fatah movement or similar trying to topple Arafat, backed and guided by a state like Iraq. I don't believe Arafat has the power to enforce any kind of security for Israel and the real perpetrators behind this event are trying to draw the West and Israel into a full scale war, so as to unite all the Muslim countries into fighting the west.
Steve J Rees, Australia

Both the USA and NATO have put their "educated" opinions to the rest of the world, and like normal we are obliged to believe what they say. In typical fashion, our puppet Prime Minister and his Government follow blindly along with the majority and expect all to fall into place behind. I once read that all men were innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. The US and NATO are not judge, jury and executioner and nor should they be allowed to be!
Paul, UK

Since there is no public evidence of his guilt, the public knows nothing. Since we know nothing, we have no good reason to accuse Bin Laden of a crime, much less assume his guilt. I am shocked and angry like everyone else, but it should be noted that all opinions regarding his guilt are completely uninformed. How many people who believe he should be executed on the spot have studied the situation? How many are professionally involved? How many are simply very very angry?
Nicholas, United States

Hitler admitted he hated Jews, but never admitted to the holocaust. In the midst of the war, would you people have demanded a public trial of every Nazi while the rest continue to slaughter? Should governments reveal the evidence to every citizen and terrorist alike? Absolutely ridiculous. It is too simple minded to suggest that you can apply standard law to a worldwide terrorist organization like you could to a local gang of car thieves.
Chris, USA

Talk about courtroom-type proof and an international trial are pathetically naive. Terrorists hide behind our system of justice and would certainly use such time (and there would be alot of it) to inflict more damage. We know that bin laden has been linked to numerous terrorist attacks, openly approves of and encourages such attacks and is responsible, along with the Taliban, for maintaining training camps where such terrorists continue to breed. While you wait for an international tribunal to gather evidence, terrorists who do not believe in our system of justice (and who mock it) will take more lives. This is a clear and present danger that must be removed, and time is of the essence. And, lastly, anyone who is critical of the western media and American foreign policy (which no doubt can be criticised) but remains silent about the propaganda and cruelty rampant in oppressive regimes in the middle east is hopelessly one sided. If such tyrannies were dominant here, we would not be having this conversation.
David Levitt, United States

Whether he pulls the trigger himself or pays some dupe to do it for him, this is a man who is clearly disturbed

James Wilson, UK

Yes I am convinced. He has been the key mover behind many terrorist attacks. Whether he pulls the trigger himself or pays some dupe to do it for him, this is a man who is clearly disturbed. From what I've read, Muslim clerics are unable to support the taking of innocent lives and that indeed the Koran prohibits it. Why then does the Taleban continue to support him?
James Wilson, UK

I wish there was peace and prosperity in every corner of this earth. This is a gift from God and we have to appreciate it and spread brotherhood amongst all human beings. Anyone who wants to spoil peace should be punished without delay.
Syed Aijaz Ahmed, Saudi Arabia

I am not fully convinced by the evidence given because there is no real evidence on offer.
Jan, Netherlands

If the evidence can be shown to the public without compromising the safety of the people who gathered it, then I think it should be made public. If people's lives are on the line however, then maybe - just for once - we should have faith in the government to act in our best interests. The fact that Osama Bin Laden has become the number one suspect in this matter is hardly surprising considering his words, previous actions and the fact that he is in hiding. After all, if he has nothing to fear and can prove he wasn't involved, surely he would be the first person trying to clear his name?
Darren Badrock, England

In response to the comments from Darren Badrock. I'm not in any way defending Bin Laden, but if you look at the Birmingham Six and the Guilford Four then you'll see that innocence is not always a defence against being put away for terrorism. I would prefer to see western governments being open about this and producing some proof. We have been led down the wrong path so many times in the past. Let's not make the same mistakes again, especially if innocent Afghans will die. Surely in a new world order, the right to a fair trial should be a human right. Even if the person accused is a barbarian.
Raymund Mac Vicar, France

He should be brought to justice, either immediate or through the courts as the situation lends itself. It may be more difficult than it sounds and I would not expect a quick result. Since one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter this makes it almost impossible to penetrate an organisation such as Bin Laden's al-Qaeda.
Ray, Scotland

The US wants to hunt someone to soothe the emotions of its people

Mohammad, Canada

I think people still need to know the basis on which those three men are being linked to al-Qaeda. The US wants to hunt someone to soothe the emotions of its people. Justice can only be served if an international jury comprising judges from Muslim as well as other parts of the world pass a judgement against Bin Laden unanimously. Politicians cannot serve justice. True justice is the only answer to this crisis.
Mohammad, Canada

We take it on trust that he is guilty. It would make no sense for the US to finger the wrong man. If they are convinced we should be too. However will this conflict lead us to a safer world? I don't think so. Politicians have a duty to tell us when peaceful normality is going to be restored and what the path to it will be.
Martin, UK

I feel nothing for him, and I certainly will not feel guilty about the coming onslaught

Penny, UK

Bin Laden is guilty and now he is going to pay the price for taking the innocent lives of thousands of people, from all races and religions. He is tarnishing the name of Islam by declaring his actions "holy" and "just". He, and his fanatical, violent followers will now feel the force of a world that is fed up with fundamentalism and fed up with horrific crimes being committed in the name of "religion". He will get what he deserves. I feel nothing for him, and I certainly will not feel guilty about the coming onslaught.
Penny, UK

If the US admitted they're out for revenge, not justice and bombed him to hell and back, I'd sleep easier. But the current situation makes a mockery of our supposed democratic system and Bush and Blair's stance is as great a threat to democracy as the enemy.
Roger Angus, UK

The conclusive evidence that is not being showed to the public is worrying. We don't really know who is behind these attacks. We don't know a lot about the attackers and their motives and why they wanted to kill so many US people. The US have inflicted pain on the Middle East in the past and they do it in ways that the public doesn't realise like stopping aid and imposing sanctions. Think about how many people are already suffering and will suffer more now that the US has an excuse for military action. George Bush needs to sit down and think how much better it would be to get the enemy on his side and its people rather than create even more innocent deaths and start the beginning of another war.
Tom Warren, UK

There is not one real shred of fact out there that Osama did it

Gulacci, UK

It's obvious the majority of people who have views about Osama are those who have no other exposure to the facts than the pro-west media. These people will not bother to leave their TV sets and radios and find out the real truth behind the attacks. It could possibly be Osama, but there is not one real shred of fact out there that Osama did it. I'm in no way backing Osama, but look at the alternatives as well.
Gulacci, UK

How can anyone make a judgement on someone's guilt or innocence without the full evidence? The only way we can ever know the truth of his responsibility is through a fair trial conducted under international law. In this case all the public have is the word of Bush and Blair and with the massing of troops in the areas, have made it quite clear to the world that they have decided his guilt already.
Alex, UK

Let's capture him, hold a trial in an international court and see if he is guilty or not.
Paul Atkins, UK

It would be hard to prove his guilt even if he was guilty. His organisation is bound to be structured in such a way that he can never be directly linked to any actions al-Qaeda carries out.
Giles Jones, UK

He's definitely guilty of terrorism in the past. I have not been too convinced by the circumstantial evidence given so far and the evidence that is "too sensitive to divulge" is ridiculous. These people flew two planes into the WTC and killed thousands of people. I think the "sensitive" evidence should be made public and just maybe this could make some of the Islamic states that support Bin Laden take a good look at themselves and think again about supporting him and his associates.
Matt, UK

In response to Matt, one of the problems with this sort of situation is that the best evidence often cannot be publicly released. Photographs, tape recordings and documents are all too easily traced back to the individuals who made or stole them. If we jeopardise these people by revealing what we have publicly, two things will happen: the source of information will be closed and the people who risked everything to bring it to us will die. It's annoying but necessary that some evidence really does have to stay secret.
Steve Deeley, UK

The evidence provided is enough. We don't need to see detail

Tony, UK

The evidence provided is enough. We don't need to see detail. We wish that we could but that's only because we're nosey. Forget the detail, it's now time to act. Send in the SAS and take them out with the back up of military force. These people need to be taken out of the human world and put in a place where they will suffer forever.
Tony, UK

Who knows? I haven't seen the evidence, but I trust the intelligence services and the government.
David Milne, Scotland

As much as I have faith in the government's decision that Bin Laden is responsible for these attacks, I hope that investigators are still looking at the possibility that it was someone else. I would hate to think that if Bin Laden is innocent, we had been wasting our time, resources and money targeting him and leaving the real culprit to plan more attacks when we are worn out by war on Bin Laden's network.
Matthew, London, UK

Beyond the circumstantial evidence, he is a self-confessed criminal simply by having so much opposition. The very fact that he has a huge support base spread all over the world suggests that getting him under lock and key should only be a starting point.
Ramesh, Mauritius

I don't doubt Bin Laden is guilty but the behaviour of the US and our government is almost childish. My doubts started as soon as I heard that the FBI had found the passport of one the terrorists in the rubble of the WTC and then the flight manual in the car. I doubt that the terrorists really needed to learn the details of flying just before they boarded, especially when governments are also saying this terrorist operation was planned for years.
Gav, UK

I was expecting something a little more concrete

Jenkins, England

Given how long it has taken for this information to be made available, I was expecting something a little more concrete. It seems more based on opinion than fact. All information should be made public as that is the only way the west will gain support for its proposed military action. What politicians sometimes forget is that we now live in the information age, where everything is micro-analysed and there is no margin for error. Remember the world is watching.
Jenkins, England

Of course he is. How can some people doubt what the remainder of the world already knows? The Gulf states had more evidence than we did. This is just the start. Countries that couldn't get rid of these cancers now have the chance. Look for Algeria, Kashmir, Lybia and Northern Ireland next.
Jim Troscinski, USA

Like most people outside trusted government and intelligence agencies, I have not seen the evidence. From what we have heard, there would be enough evidence to bring him to trial. Surely it is only a court that can find him "guilty as charged". The question is, would Osama Bin Laden get a fair trial in the US? Given that trials of Muslims have previously been delayed in America I would think that it is a definite possibility that he would not. Maybe before hasty action is taken, Osama Bin Laden should be tried in a neutral court. This could be an international court, or one in a country that cannot be seen as supporting either the west or Arab countries - maybe Japan. If necessary he could be tried in his absence.
Chris, UK

I rather fear that I have seen no evidence. I am certain that our US government believes Bin Laden to be responsible, but without proof, all I can believe is that they were desperate for a scapegoat and chose a well-known enemy of America. Personally, without the proof, I cannot believe a single man is responsible for the attack on the WTC, and I honestly cannot believe that he or al-Qaeda were responsible. I want to see the evidence Washington has been offering to close allies. If it is so compelling, there is no need for secrecy.
R Gregory, USA

Let Osama be the starting point of the decimation of all terrorist groups across the world

S Venkatarman, India

As an individual who loves peace, I feel it is ridiculous to discuss if Bin Laden is responsible for this attack or not. It is an open secret that he and his al-Qaeda organisation have resorted to such evil acts before. The western world has woken up to this terrorist act very late. But the good news is that it has woken up at last. Let Osama be the starting point of the decimation of all terrorist groups across the world. We should also use this opportunity to teach a lesson to all countries that nurture and harbour these terrorists. I also strongly feel that the whole world should unite in this noble cause with the USA and make this world a better place to live in.
S Venkatarman, India

The attacks may have all the hallmarks of Bin Laden. However, that is not any form of proof. It is very easy to say that certain items are classified and that disclosure could harm the source. I think more information and proof should be disclosed. Unfortunately, I cannot accept Tony Blair's word as concrete evidence. It must not be forgotten that it is justice that is being sought, not revenge.
David, UK

Until all the evidence is presented to the public, the guy is not guilty. Why can't they publish their evidence and let us judge him.
Voler, England

Most of the terrorists who share common jihad sentiments may have links with Bin Laden. The question is whether he is directly involved or not. That has to be determined not by a US court but by an international court.
Rajeev, India

I think all the evidence should be given to the public so that everyone knows the exact situation.
Naveed, Pakistan

I think that Blair and Bush should release this information to the world before strikes occur.
Havey, UK

No, that will only create confusion for the public and lots of material for media.
Amolak, Canada

Anyone who thinks that Bin Laden has nothing to do with these attacks probably doesn't believe the holocaust happened either.
Graham Hughes, UK

I believe a man is not guilty until a court of law finds him guilty

David K Kayea, Liberia/USA

I believe a man is not guilty until a court of law finds him guilty. Give the evidence to the Taleban and then take it from there. It is the ruling government in that country whether the US or Great Britain like it or not. If Bin Laden is the force behind this horrific action he deserves what's coming to him. If he is to be tried this needs to take place in the Hague not the USA. The USA could never give that man a fair trial.
David K Kayea, Liberia/USA

In response to David K Kayea: This is a hopelessly flawed argument that assumes all countries and leaders are able to conduct a "fair" trial or even look at evidence objectively. The Taliban supports terrorism. They treat women as sub-humans, kill them in football stadiums, starve their own people. In what way are they competent to view or judge any kind of evidence? Would they expect their god come down and tell them if the evidence was real or not? I shudder at the very thought of these fanatics being given any chance to make moral or legal judgements on these murderous acts. That said, I do feel that more evidence must eventually be made public to be conviced that Bin Laden is the mastermind behind the attacks.
M.Lofgren, USA

I am totally convinced. This murderer has had his day and now it is his turn to be afraid and pay the price. I welcome his death with as much excitement as he awaited the death of several thousand innocent men, women and children. You are the weakest link Osama. Goodbye.
Adrian M Lee, England

Don't show the evidence to the general public. Get together a group of learned jurists from around the world, who can be trusted to keep a secret, and show the evidence to them.
Aqib, Pakistan

How can he hope to rise to the right hand of Allah if he did nothing? I'm sure he was connected to the attacks.
Ryan, UK

Bin Laden and many others are quite delighted that 6000 innocent men and women died horribly violent deaths. They are as guilty as if they had flown the planes into the buildings themselves.
Daryl, USA

I don't feel that the government really know who did it.

Shyroc, UK

As long as the proof is not made public Osama can not be declared guilty. In the present situation USA has violated all concepts of justice and democracy.
Omair, Pakistan

As much as I hate what happened and feel that the culprits need to be punished, I don't feel that the government really know who did it. I reckon that they need to make an example of someone and I guess that someone had to be osama.
Shyroc, UK

Are the Americans really trying to tell us that one man has brought the world's greatest power to its knees all on his own? If so, then it is our own security services who deserve to receive the retaliation, not the Taleban
Ann Dhaka

The 'evidence' is mostly circumstantial. Only a few points actually relate to the September 11 attack. But this does not really matter. What does matter is that the full evidence is heard in an international criminal court, perhaps without Osama Bin Laden's presence. If he is found guilty then further action can be considered, but not before. As the prosecution would presumably be the US, the US would not be a suitable host for the court.
Andrew Cottrell, United Kingdom

Bin Laden has incriminated himself by the announcements he made after the US attacks. If he really cares about the Afghan people and the Muslim community he would turn himself in and save a devastated nation.
Ahmed Rizk, Egypt

If Bin Laden is innocent, why doesn't he stand before an international court?

Lindsay, UK

To keep the evidence secret is an insult to the thousands of innocent civilians who perished at the World Trade Center. It also indicates that the US has something to hide
R.L., U.K.

If Osama Bin Laden is innocent, then why doesn't he stand before an international (UN) court? The prosecution need to prove his guilt. If, as some correspondants suggest, there is insufficient evidence then he will walk free.
Lindsay, UK

Any group of people anywhere in the world could have committed the crimes of September 11th. I would hate to think we're spending all our time working against bin Laden while the real murderer is out there.
Brandi, Liberia/USA

I need no proof of bin Laden's guilt; his word is good enough for me. He has spoken his word loudly and clearly. If we kill him "unjustly," so be it. It could not happen too soon.
Chad, USA

We should not have to live in a world where the US is the judge, jury and executioner

James Holgate, UK

I know in these circumstances we need to blame someone, but we shouldn't let revenge cloud our judgement. Our government and the US say they have substantial evidence but we have seen little of it. It is patronising to think that our government expect us to believe whatever they tell us. We should not have to live in a world where the US is the judge, jury and executioner, it goes against the freedom and democracy that millions have fought and died for in the past.
James Holgate, UK

It is pretty obvious that putting all the evidence in the open would jeopardize both the servicemen and the sources of information. But do we even need to see this information? September 11th is the wake-up call, but bin Laden is already indicted for previous terrorist acts.
Pavel Vasilyev, USA

I will judge after I am satisfied that I have sufficient informtion on which to base my judgement.
Raymond Libreri, Malta

He should be hunted like a dog and assassinated.

Lucy Beck, US

If anyone needs proof of Bin Laden's guilt, just listen to his latest press release. He admitted to it. He shouldn't be tried in a court, he should be hunted like a dog and assassinated.
Lucy Beck, US

As far as I can see, there is no concrete evidence that says its Bin Laden. Its obvious that he is a supporter of what happened in America - but that doesn't mean he did it.
Stephen, UK

Bin Laden is unequivocally guilty. The Saudi government conceded to his guilt after reviewing the body of evidence provided by Washington - as have other governments. Proof enough for any reasonable citizen.
A Nishimoto, USA