The recording also backs Jordanian-born militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as the al-Qaeda network's "emir," meaning leader, in Iraq, Arabic TV station al-Jazeera reported.

• The tape describes Zarqawi as the "emir" of al-Qaeda in Iraq and praises the "daring operations" of his group against US troops and Iraqi officials. "The brothers in the group there must listen to him [Zarqawi] and obey him for what is good," the message says.
• An al-Jazeera presenter said the tape made an indirect plea for help to finance al-Qaeda's activities in Iraq, as well as urging the assassination of those who collaborate with coalition forces.
• Bin Laden also called for supporters to strike Iraqi and Gulf oil pipelines, reiterating a demand made in another audio message attributed to Bin Laden earlier this month.