Story filed: 01:19 Sunday 23rd December 2001Osama bin Laden's mother has spoken of her only son describing him as always been kind, considerate and sweet to all those around him.
In an interview with The Mail on Sunday newspaper, Alia Ghanem insists her son is innocent of any accusation of being involved in terrorism.
She said the shy youngster had the love of God, respect and love for his family, neighbours and teachers.
She added that he always active in helping school friends solve disputes.
During his teens he played football, went to picnics, rode horses and socialised - giving his mother no cause for concern.
She said: "He was not an A student - he would pass exams with average grades. But he was loved and respected by his classmates and neighbours.
"I don't ever remember him complaining. He seems to avoid arguments. I encouraged this but he did not need any encouragement. It was natural for him to be so friendly and quiet."
She added that the nightmare began only when he set off for Jihad in Afghanistan more than 20 years ago, where he became angry and frustrated at being unable to achieve the grand goals to liberate Palestine, Kashmir and Chechnya.
She said: "Years of war and a tough adult life have also changed him."
The Syrian-born fourth wife of Saudi businessman Mohammed Bin Laden, who has remained hidden away behind the high walls surrounding her villa in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, since the September 11 terror attacks says she still loves and cares about Osama.
Copyright © 2001 Ananova Ltd
