11 Jul 2009

“Growing up Bin Laden”

The new memoir written by Osama Bin Laden’s son, Omar, describes what it’s like to grow up with a father for a terrorist and having to live with the name “Omar Osama Bin Laden.”

“Omar, 28, describes weeping as a teenager when told that Al Qaeda needed his pets to conduct chemical warfare tests.” His dad GASSED HIS DOGS. There’s nothing better than when the real news about Osama Bin Laden being someone’s dad reads like an Onion article about Osama Bin Laden being someone’s dad. “After I learned the truth about the puppies, I turned even further away from my father.”


Posted on July 11, in -

3 Comments

  1. I was honored to be a part of this project. I’m Jean Sasson and I worked with Najwa and Omar for the past 15 months to bring their stories to life. Unfortunately, I’m reading a lot of stuff online that is not in the book, that is being made up. Omar didn’t know about the 1998 Embassy bombings until after they occurred and he heard it on the radio with his father and the other men. Besides, Omar was only a teenager and had no dealings with his father’s Al-Qaeda. He was a child and could do nothing but observe, but observe he did and now we have those amazing stories — stories about how his father reacted to the various events, plus many others. I admire Omar for standing up to his father and pleading with his father not to commit violence. Of course, Osama didn’t listen to his son. I will say that Najwa and Omar Bin Laden are two of the nicest people it is my pleasure to know, and I would welcome them into my home at any time. Once readers get to know them, they will feel the same way. Jean Sasson

    Posted on 7.12.09 ·
    • katiewinn wrote:

      Thank you so much for your response Jean, I think the idea for this story is wonderful and I hope that your readers will be able to have a better understanding of what went on during this difficult and confusing time. Congratulations on being a part of this project.
      – Katie

      Posted on 7.12.09 ·
  2. Thanks, Katie — certainly the goal of such a book is to create understanding… Have a wonderful day, Jean

    Posted on 7.13.09 ·

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