Brains behind terror plot may be Brit the security services thought was dead - 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.

Motives behind the anti-American sentiment

Fearing that any outburst of enthusiasm might damage them in Washington's eyes Arab leaders from Yasser Arafat to Egypt's Hosni Mubarak clamped down on any dancing in the streets but the censorship did not extend to what went on inside people's minds. Half a century ago the American-Jewish writer Ben Hecht infamously said that every time a British soldier fell victim to a Jewish terrorist in the last days of the British mandate in Palestine, he took 'a little holiday in his heart' In the past few days some Arabs, not all of them fundamentalists or terrorists, have indulged in a long vacation.

It was not a widespread feeling and it was expressed by a small minority but throughout the Middle East and within the Islamic world in general it was fired by a brooding dislike of the US and all its works. Much of it is caused by poverty and dispossession, not least in the teeming Palestinian refugee camps, and the mood of those caught up in the web of suffering is heightened by a belief that a US-led conspiracy is the reason for all their misfortunes. The dilution of Islamic religious and cultural values is another reason for the widespread anti-American feeling: the downgrading of Islamic religious law, ignorance about the teachings of the Koran and the break-up of the Islamic community with its concept of inclusiveness, all of which have encouraged the extremists.

When Palestinians drove through Gaza waving flags and firing off Kalashnikovs they were expressing a rumbling belief that the US had it coming to them and that the use of airliners as missiles was a suitable payback for years of western repression and a long history of betrayal by the great powers. Their joy had nothing to do with the huge loss of life in Washington and New York City - Islam deplores unnecessary killing, especially of the innocent, and outside the extremists suicide is not regarded as a virtuous act - but it has everything to do with the fact that the US had been discomfited as mayhem came to the streets of Manhattan.

On one level their schadenfreude was fuelled by ideological and religious differences, an abhorrence of Coca-Cola culture, contempt for the half-witted pornography which clogs the internet and disdain for the greed-is-good outlook which seems to them to characterise so much of American life to the exclusion of simpler values. On another related level, many Arabs in the Middle East cannot understand the unstinting support which is granted to Israel and which allows ordinary Palestinians to be gunned down without a smidgen of international protest. In their judgment, by backing Israel's policy of colonisation in Palestinian territory, the US has engaged in a hostile act which fully justifies the antagonism and the violence.

The bin Laden family’s connection to terrorism

This tense situation in the Middle East raises questions about the bin Laden family, as some of its members are known to have connections to terrorist activities. While the majority of the bin Ladens have publicly distanced themselves from Osama bin Laden, there are concerns that a few rogue members may still maintain contact with him and share similar political beliefs. The fear is whether Osama still has financial links to the family, potentially granting him access to power corridors in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The global influence of the bin Laden empire

The bin Laden family, known for their vast wealth and influence, spans over 50 brothers and sisters of Osama bin Laden alone. Through their international network, the bin Laden family is connected to some of the most influential figures around the world. Their business empire, known as the Binladin Group, holds ties to major corporations such as General Electric, Citigroup, Motorola, Quaker, and many others. Additionally, the family has established connections with academic institutions including Oxford University and Harvard University.

Main article: Hotels and their role in the Middle East

Hotels play a significant role in the Middle East, serving as important symbols of progress, luxury, and economic prosperity. They act as beacons for travelers seeking comfort and amenities in foreign lands, while also contributing to the region's overall economy and tourism industry.

Hotels as symbols of progress

In cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, awe-inspiring hotels have become architectural marvels, showcasing the region's rapid development and modernization. These iconic structures, such as the Burj Al Arab in Dubai or the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, have become global landmarks, attracting tourists from all corners of the world. They stand as tangible proof of the Middle East's ambition and economic growth.

Hotels as economic catalysts

Hotels also play a vital role in driving economic activity in the region. They create employment opportunities, from entry-level positions to high-skilled jobs in management and hospitality. The hospitality industry provides revenue streams not only from room occupancy but also from restaurants, bars, and other amenities within the hotels. Additionally, hotels often bring in international investment and facilitate business deals, contributing to the overall economic prosperity of the area.

Tourism and the hotel industry

Tourism is a significant sector in the Middle East, and hotels are at the forefront of catering to travelers' needs. The region is rich in cultural heritage and historical sites, attracting visitors from around the world. Hotels serve as an essential infrastructure for these tourists, providing comfort, security, and world-class services. They act as a gateway to experiencing the region's diverse landscapes, ancient civilizations, and vibrant modern cities.

The future of hotels in the Middle East

As the Middle East continues to evolve and diversify its economies, the hotel industry is expected to thrive. With a growing focus on sustainability and eco-tourism, hotels are incorporating environmentally friendly practices into their operations. Additionally, with the rise of technology and digitalization, hotels are embracing innovations such as smart rooms, contactless services, and personalized experiences to cater to the changing needs of travelers.

In conclusion, hotels in the Middle East serve as significant symbols of progress, catalysts for economic growth, and essential components of the tourism industry. As the region continues to develop and embrace the future, the hotel sector will play a vital role in shaping the landscape of the Middle East.