Alia Ghanem at home in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian
The Guardian: My son, Osama: the al-Qaida leader’s mother speaks for the first time
Nearly 17 years since 9/11, Osama bin Laden’s family remains an influential part of Saudi society – as well as a reminder of the darkest moment in the kingdom’s history. Can they escape his legacy?
On the corner couch of a spacious room, a woman wearing a brightly patterned robe sits expectantly. The red hijab that covers her hair is reflected in a glass-fronted cabinet; inside, a framed photograph of her firstborn son takes pride of place between family heirlooms and valuables. A smiling, bearded figure wearing a military jacket, he features in photographs around the room: propped against the wall at her feet, resting on a mantlepiece. A supper of Saudi meze and a lemon cheesecake has been spread out on a large wooden dining table.
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More News On Osama Bin Laden's Mother Speaking For The First Time
'He was a good kid': Osama bin Laden's mother breaks 17-year silence to insist her son turned to terror after being 'brainwashed by a cult' as his family urges 9/11 mastermind's 'al-Qaeda heir' not to avenge his father -- Daily Mail
Bin Laden ‘deliberately’ wanted to tarnish Saudi-US relations – Western intelligence -- Arab News
In 1st interview, Bin Laden mother reveals how Muslim Brotherhood Shaped her son -- Al Arabiya
Osama bin Laden's brother warns his vengeful son Hamza not to follow in his footsteps -- The Telegraph
The Bin Laden family says Osama's youngest son went to Afghanistan to 'avenge' his father -- Business Insider
