Osama Denounces Al Qaeda Extremism

Obviously he now sees the fallacy of his own dark ideology, especially when his cause is failing. From FoxNews:

"I advise myself, Muslims in general and brothers in al-Qaida everywhere to avoid extremism among men and groups," he said, saying leaders should not build themselves up as the sole authority, and that instead mujahedeen should follow "what God and his prophet have said."

Bin Laden used the Arabic word "ta'assub," which in traditional Islamic thought means extremism in allegiance or adherence to a group, to a degree that excludes others -- apparently advising flexibility to overcome divisions.

"Everybody can make a mistake, but the best of them are those who admit their mistakes," he said. "Mistakes have been made during holy wars but mujahedeen have to correct their mistakes."

I don't think anyone will be fooled by all this rhetoric. While the West was blaming America for atrocities in the warzone, Iraqis were witnessing the terrorist horror first hand. It likely left a bad taste in their mouths.

Update-Sen. John McCain says "It's a clear sign that we are succeeding in Iraq".