(CNN) -- A new statement attributed to al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden condemns European countries for siding with the United States in Afghanistan and for allowing the publication of cartoons considered insulting to Islam's prophet, Mohammed. art.bin.laden.vid.file.afp.gi.jpg Terrorist leader Osama bin Laden spoke on a video released by al Qaeda in September.
"This is the greater and more serious tragedy, and the reckoning for it will be more severe," the speaker in the five-minute audio recording says.
The identity of the speaker could not be independently determined.
However, a radical Islamist Web site reported earlier Wednesday that a statement from bin Laden was coming shortly.
The notice appeared on Al-Ekhlaas, known for carrying statements and videos from al Qaeda and its allies.
Bin Laden, who was behind the terrorist network's September 11 attacks, has been in hiding since the U.S. assault on Afghanistan that followed those strikes.
His last public statement was an audio message issued in December, when he urged his followers in Iraq to continue battling U.S. troops there.
Wednesday marked the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
Poster Comment:
OKAY, OKAY. So I made up the 'supports Obama' part but at least I beat our 'house neocons' to the punch... /chuckle