Bin Laden Tape Urges Iraqi Insurgents To Unite

BAGHDAD — Osama bin Laden scolded his Al Qaeda followers in Iraq and other insurgents yesterday, saying they have "been lax" for failing to overcome fanatical tribal loyalties and unite in the fight against American troops.

The message of his new audiotape reflected the growing disarray among Iraq's Sunni Arab insurgents and Mr. bin Laden's client group in the country, both of which are facing heavy American military pressure and an uprising among Sunni tribesmen.

In the brief tape played on Al-Jazeera, the Qaeda leader said, "The Muslim world is waiting for you to gather under one banner."