The latest from Al Qaeda

According to Al Jazeera, the latest Bin Laden tape suggesting that al Qaeda in Iraq has created a mess for itself is causing at least a few Qaeda types to want to attack the messenger - that is, Al Jazeera:

Al-Qaida sympathizers have unleashed a torrent of anger against Al- Jazeera television, accusing it of misrepresenting Osama bin Laden's latest audiotape by airing excerpts in which he criticizes mistakes by insurgents in Iraq.

Users of a leading Islamic militant Web forum posted thousands of insults against the pan-Arab station for focusing on excerpts in which bin Laden criticizes insurgents, including his followers.

Analysts said the reaction highlighted militants' surprise at bin Laden's words, and their dismay at the deep divisions among al-Qaida and other Iraqi militants that he appeared to be trying to heal.

"It's not about Al-Jazeera, it's about their shock from bin Laden," said Diaa Rashwan, an Egyptian expert on Islamic militant groups. "For the first time, bin Laden, who used to be the spiritual leader who gives guidance, became a critic of al-Qaida and is confessing mistakes. This is unusual."

If it is true that Bin Laden has gotten checked by reality, I predict his followers will soon follow. Because anyone who follows Bin Laden is by nature a slavish follower. These are, after all, people who could be convinced that blowing up other Muslims in mosques and in markets was somehow a good thing in line with the teachings of Islam.

As to this first reaction to being admonished - this torrent of fury directed at Al Jazeera - this could have predicted by anyone with any experience with children.