Bin Laden videotape was result of a sting: “This weekend, as the debate the tape has provoked continued across the Islamic world, several intelligence sources have suggested to The Observer that the tape, although absolutely genuine, is the result of a sophisticated sting operation run by the CIA through a second intelligence service, possibly Saudi or Pakistani.

‘They needed someone whom they could persuade or coerce to get close to bin Laden and someone whom bin Laden would feel secure talking to. If it works, you have got the perfect evidence at the perfect moment,’ said one security source. ‘It’s a masterstroke.’ ” Guardian UK [On the other hand, if the tape was disinformation and doubtful reactions began to accumulate, they could be countered neatly with the rumor that it was a CIA sting, simultaneously asserting its authenticity and explaining its fortuitously-timed appearance.]