(Thubmnail image: Al Jazeera)

Al Jazeera’s release of an audio recording of what is believed to be Osama bin Laden’s voice has sparked the question of whether or not this recording should be taken as a serious threat.

In the audiotape, bin Laden praises the Christmas Day suicide-bombing attempt in the US, and speaks directly to President Obama.

BIN LADEN: “from Osama to Obama”

We’re examining perspectives from CNN, CBS News, Al Jazeera English, FOX News and the Huffington Post.

CNN’s Terrorism Analyst Peter Bergen suggests bin Laden’s message doesn’t mean Al Qaeda is currently plotting an attack on the US.

“I think this is the 33rd tape that bin Laden has released since 9/11.  And obviously there haven’t been 33 incidents associated with Al Qaeda central since then.  So, I would be careful about saying that a particular tape is going to be associated with a particular incident.  Before 9/11, when bin Laden would release a tape very infrequently there was a strong correlation, but I don’t believe there is now.”

But CBS News shares a different perspective – seeing the tape as cause for concern.  

IntelCenter CEO explains how one key phrase in this recording was also found in similar tapes that preceded the 2005 London train bombing and the 2008 attack on the Danish Embassy in Islamabad.

“May Peace be on those that follow the light of guidance.”

“This phrase, which appears at the beginning and the end of the message, only appears in bin Laden’s statements, typically in messages that come in advance of an attack.  Now this could be in the coming weeks, or it could be as far out as twelve or fourteen months from now.”

Al Jazeera English shares the perspective of the Editor-in-Chief of two Arabic newspapers who also voices concern, but for a different reason. He says the release of the recording so close to the Afghan and Yemeni conferences in London makes a strong statement.

“Maybe it is coincidence, but I believe the timing is extremely important. He is saying to the people that will meet here in London, that Osama bin Laden is still in control.  He is still strong.  He can, actually, issue videotapes and audiotapes and mobilize people behind his organization. It is important from this point of view.”

As for the Obama administration’s reaction to the tape, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Fox News Sunday accused bin Laden’s message of being an empty scare tactic.

“I think everybody in this world understands that this is somebody that has to pop-up in our lives over an audio tape because he’s nothing but a cowardly, murderous thug and terrorist that will someday, hopefully soon, be brought to justice.”

In a more lighthearted approach, The Huffington Post’s Andy Borowitz mocks bin Laden’s recorded affirmation of the attack attempt, writes,

“According to a CIA analyst familiar with the tape, a new characterization of Osama bin Laden may be beginning to emerge: ‘He's like a movie executive: no matter how little he was involved, he claims credit.’”

So what do you think? Is Osama bin Laden’s recording to be taken seriously, or is it just a less significant cameo appearance?

Writer: Chelsea Donohoe

Producer: Newsy Staff