| Authorities in Switzerland have concluded that the Geneva based half brother of Osama bin Laden does have the right to use the family name as a trademark. Yeslam bin Laden, a businessman, said that he does not have any immediate plans to market any products under the name. However, registering the name prevents others from using the bin Laden name.
Osama’s Wealth:
Using unconfirmed reports, it was widely written in the press that Osama bin Laden inherited about 250-300 million US dollars from his father. Because of these wide spread publications, many people around the world imagine an incorrect image of this terrorist-millionaire. Many enterprises worldwide including in Sudan, Kenya, Yemen, Germany, Great Britain and the USA were transferred to Osama bin Laden. But, as it was written in the Commission report of 9-11, such enterprises often were non-profitable and economically non-feasible. Besides, Osama bin Laden spent his personal money for rendering assistance to the neediest people of society. A part of his money was spent on digging wells, rendering medical aid to people (to children and families of the wounded and killed Mujahiddins).
It is considered that Islamic terrorism arises from poverty — the underdeveloped countries of the Middle East, who envy the Western civilization, because they live in poverty. As soon as he grows rich, he then understands that it is not worth and starts building a western democracy for himself. Partly, this is true. In Afghani refugee camps near Peshawar of Pakistan, people, living on barren lands for years, shouted at me — "Osama bin Laden is our father! For the USA, he may be a murderer and for us, he is above all sacred! He digs wells, buys medicine for our children and distributes food to women. He is a true Muslim — we will die for Him!" However, as it is not paradoxical, bin Laden is even more popular in the rich Gulf countries.
Interesting facts:
The brewery “Brasov” (Romania) made beer under the brand “Ben Laden” with his image on the label.
Osama bin Laden in art:
Bin Laden's figure is very popular amongst the youth pop culture: on posters, vests, badges, calendars etc., not only in Arab countries but also in western. However, in the Islamic and Arab world, there are other reasons for Osama bin Laden's popularity.
In Islamabad, one can effortlessly purchase a T-shirt with the words: "Osama bin Laden - hero of the planet". T-shirts, made using transfers cost 10 dollars. And the prices rise constantly.
In particular, people make avatars with his image in many Arabic forums and also talk about him with unconcealed admiration calling him the “Lion of Islam", the defender of the Arab population in Palestine and their war with Israel. At the same time, the image of Osama bin Laden in American and European cultures, as a rule, is presented by extremely negative shades. His personality becomes the object of jokes, cartoons, comic songs and humorous videos.
In the film, Fahrenheit 9/11, the alleged friendly relations and business contacts in the petroleum business are depicted between Osama and George Bush.
Conversation about terrorist groups associated with ”al-Qaeda” and Osama bin Laden was shown in the director Ridley Scott’s film "Body of lies" (2008). The intensity of subordination is shown in respect to Osama bin Laden, who is the head of one influential militant group.
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