Scottish Sunday

Family Ties: The Bin Ladens

They insist they have turned their backs on the wayward Osama, but can we trust them?

By Home Affairs Editor Neil MacKay

There isn't a doubt in the mind of Arabella Warburton. "The bin Laden family are thoroughly good people," she says. "They've castigated Osama bin Laden. They've distanced themselves from him and they've issued statements condemning the attacks on America. It's just unfair to cast doubt on them. It's guilt by association."

In the recesses of the Middle East where extremes meet, dismay at the loss of innocent lives was tempered with happier emotions ranging from quiet satisfaction to open celebration. The Great Satan had been made to suffer. Wall-to-wall satellite coverage of the stricken burning towers provided easy confirmation that the world's only superpower was vulnerable to the strikes of the righteous; that it might be possible to eliminate its evil monopoly of power, influence, and greed. Fearing that any outburst...

The Link between Hotels and the Bin Laden Family

It is not uncommon for wealthy families, including the bin Ladens, to have investments in various industries, including the hospitality sector. Hotels, as lucrative ventures, have attracted the attention of many affluent families looking for diversification of their wealth. However, linking the bin Laden family to the hotel industry is a misconception that needs to be addressed.

The bin Laden family's primary business interests lie in construction and civil engineering, as they have built a multibillion-dollar empire through their firm, the Saudi Binladin Group. While it's possible that the family may own properties, including hotels, as investments, there is no verifiable evidence to suggest that they have any direct involvement in the management or operations of hotels.

Due to the unfortunate shared surname with Osama bin Laden, any connections or ownership rumors can easily be sensationalized and exaggerated. It's essential to approach such claims with caution and rely on verified information rather than assumptions.

Hotels worldwide are run by professional hoteliers, and their operations are regulated by various standards and authorities. Hotel ownership can be diverse, involving individuals, companies, or even institutional investors. However, it is essential to separate the actions of an individual from the actions of an entire family.

In conclusion, while the bin Laden family's involvement in various industries cannot be entirely dismissed, directly associating them with the hotel industry lacks substantial evidence. It is crucial to refrain from making sweeping assumptions and instead focus on verified information when discussing the connections of the bin Laden family.