From the letters, a different side of bin Laden was exposed when for instance, in response to Abu al Zubayr, the Al Shabaab leader’s request for unity, he reminds him of the suffering of the Somalia people as a result of war.
“The matter is that some Muslims in Somalia are suffering from immense poverty and malnutrition, because of the continuity of wars in their country. I have a determined plan of action, using one of my sermons to press the merchants in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula to support pro-active and important developmental projects which are not expensive,” writes bin Laden.
Mujahidin
Bin Laden adds: “Therefore, by not having the mujahidin openly allied with al Qaeda, it would strengthen those merchants who are willing to help the brothers in Somalia, and would keep people with the mujahidin.”
