Al Qaeda has released a new video of an American hostage delivering a desperate plea to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asking him to intervene on his behalf, ABC News first reported.
“Message from the Prisoner Warren Weinstein To the Zionist Netanyahu,” the caption in the video reads.
Warren Weinstein, 71, a former Peace Corps and USAID official, was kidnapped from his home in an upper-class neighborhood in Lahore, Pakistan in August 2011 after a number of armed men tricked his security guard into letting them onto his property. Officials believe Weinstein is being held in the tribal regions along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.
“Unfortunately, President Obama and the American government have shown no interest in my case,” Weinstein says in the video.
“Therefore, as a Jew, I’m appealing to you, Prime Minister Netanyahu, the head of the Jewish state of Israel, one Jew to another, to please intervene on my behalf.”
In the video, Weinstein appears to be healthy, calm and coherent, showing no visible signs of distress.
ABC News has more background on Weinstein:
At the time [of his kidnapping], Weinstein was working as the country director for J.E. Austin Associates, a consultancy firm whose website states its goal is to “improve productivity, to enhance competitiveness, to strengthen management and strategy implementation, and to facilitate economic development.”
According to the website, the company works with government and non-government organizations. Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri first claimed that al Qaeda was holding Weinstein in a December 2011 audio message, and implied that he would use his hostage as a bargaining chip to free “captive soldiers of al Qaeda.” “[President] Obama has the power, capacity and authority to free [Weinstein],” said Zawahiri. “He could also leave him in captivity for years, and if he does something stupid, kill him.” In March, Zawahiri demanded the release of Pakistani doctor Aafia Siddiqui, “blind sheikh” Omar Abdel-Rahman and members of Osama bin Laden’s family in return for Weinstein.
In May, Al Qaeda released another video of Weinstein addressing President Obama directly, asking the commander-in-chief to save him. His kidnappers’ demands included an end to U.S. airstrikes and the release of Al Qaeda operatives in prison.

In an image provided by IntelCenter a still from the video released Sunday by al-Qaida of American hostage Warren Weinstein Weinstein said said he will be killed unless President Barack Obama agrees to the militant group's demands. (Credit: AP)
“My life is in your hands, Mr. President,” Weinstein says in the older video. “If you accept the demands, I live. If you don’t accept the demands, then I die. It’s important that you accept the demands and act quickly and don’t delay.”
“I’ve done a lot of service for my country, and I would hope that my country will now look after me and take care of me and meet the demands of the mujahedeen,” he added.
The U.S. embassy and the Pakistani government were both reportedly silent on the video that came out in May. ABC News reports the Israeli government has not responded to a request for comment on the new video.
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Comments (71)
DisposableWorker
Sep. 12, 2012 at 9:59pmYad Ha-Shem
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VoteBushIn12
Sep. 12, 2012 at 11:59pmYad Vashem?
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sillyfreshness
Sep. 13, 2012 at 1:55amNow why would a Jew go to a hostile region like Pakistan? It would be like a white man going to the south side of Chicago by himself and not expect to leave in a body bag (but that’s not racist). I hope the best for this guy, but he was just asking for it going there to begin with. Same goes with Americans “hiking” along the Iran/Iraq border. Who in their right mind would go hiking in a hostile region like that? You should have the foresight to know something very bad will likely happen.
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13th Imam
Sep. 13, 2012 at 8:17amWhy couldn’t that magnificent hero we have in our Whitehouse have taken a detour after killing Bin Laden to rescue Mr. Weinstein? Oh yeah, he’s only a Jew. NEVERMIND
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scwillard
Sep. 12, 2012 at 9:03pmCongrat all, we just repeated history.
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v15
Sep. 12, 2012 at 11:18pmThe intelligence committee should found out where this guy is being held. Then forward the information to the military to bomb the entire area into submission. The hostage would die but hopefully he would find comfort that his captors were annihilated before they could cut his head off. I think this would send a strong message to Muslims that if they take an American hostage and force him to beg for his life, then expect for the whole area to be bombed until there is only rubble left. I think we need to step up our game and for every time that Muslims do something against the United States, that our military will retaliate with a strike that’s at least 10 times more damaging.
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Leadthemtothelight
Sep. 13, 2012 at 7:19amHow sad is it that an american hostage being held is appealing to the Israelis for help because the US is not interested in helping him. Please God deliver us from this terrible time of Oppression and tyranny that we are living in. Please God watch over our troops and embassy workers as the current administration in Washington turns a blind eye to their plight. I am reminded of Terry Waite and his captivity many years ago. Is this where we are headed again. Our citizens being held hostage while our government tucks its tail and apologizes for anti islamic comments and videos? In America we stand up for our beliefs we celebrate the peaceful customs ideals and religious faiths that make this country the melting pot. In America we do not apologize while our citizens are killed our embassies destroyed and our flag desecrated. This is an outrage….It must stop….Our country and it’s citizens must be protected and if Obama cannot or will not see it done then kick his ass out of the White house.
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ASE
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:40pmAlthough I can feel some sympathy for this man’s plight, if my name was Weinstein there is no way in hell I’d be in an islamist country for any reason whatsoever. I mean, come on folks, these guys didn’t just become Jew haters only yesterday.
Now, because of this mans lack of good judgement and common sense, he has become a tool for the islamists.
4xeverything
Sep. 12, 2012 at 9:58pmNot only that but, any American who leaves the US should be aware that the USA does not negotiate with terrorists. I’m all about blaming Obama for whatever I can (I won’t lie…it’s kinda fun really) but, this has always been the American stance on terror negotiations. The surprising thing is that he is actually following the American policy this time. I would have thought that he would have been head over heels about the idea of freeing a bunch of Gitmo terrorists.
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GeminiAura
Sep. 13, 2012 at 2:22amI find it hard to believe he didn’t recognize the risks living in Pakistan. I can’t imagine any person of Jewish heritage migrating to Germany in 1938. This reminds me of the 3 ignorant American tourists wandering around post-war Iraq who “accidentally” crossed into Iran. (My gut tells me they knew they had crossed the border and were looking for bragging rights). If you intentionally place yourself in a dangerous situation, you assume responsibility for your own safety and bare the consequences.
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grimmster
Sep. 13, 2012 at 5:41amLike ive always said, if your stupid enough to walk into a lions den, you deserve to get eaten…….
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Wolf
Sep. 13, 2012 at 7:17am“…ABC News reports the Israeli government has not responded to a request for comment on the new video…”
And just what should the Israeli government care about an American-Jew being held hostage? In this day and age of hyphenated ‘nationalities’/loyalties- or any era- a plea to a foreign nation for another country’s citizen is rediculous.
Sorry, Weinstein- the POS Obumbler has decided you’re on your own: he has no intention of helping you no matter what Israel says- which should be nothing since you are not their problem.
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Pearsontech
Sep. 13, 2012 at 9:21amWhile I do agree from an outsiders stand point looking at the situation that this guy being there was completely stupid, you have to also realize that you don’t know the whole story and not knowing the whole story to sit here behind your safe computer with an internet connection and fire off judgement at this guy is just cowardly. Unless you personally know the whole story here I think it is quite stupid and arrogant to start calling this guy names. This is a general problem with a lot of people in the world today. They pass judgement and make choices without really thinking or taking the time to gather all the information. It is precisely this very thing that has allowed Obama to get into the White House in the first place
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CLEttinger
Sep. 13, 2012 at 9:45amDon’t negotiate, our reuglar troops are not trained in urban tactics our special forces are more prepared for these situations than ever before. Go in, kill all around and get him out, unfortunately he would probably die in the exersize but he should have never been there in the first place. Ignoring these actions only emboldens them to keep taking hostages just to make us look impotent.
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ASE
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:37pmAlthough I feel some sympathy for the man and his plight, if my name was Weinstein there is no way in hell I’d be in any islamist country for any reason whatsoever. Some things should be common sense to folks – just sayin…
Now, because this guy wasn’t using his head, he has become a tool for the islamists.
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samtree
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:13pmCome on people, you don’t really want us to bargain with Muslim animals do you? How many Palestinian terrorists did Netanyahoo release for that one Israeli soldier, Gilad Shaklit? An internet search says ONE THOUSAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One thousand terrorists released, what a crock.
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The_Jerk
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:35pmThis is yet one more reason why America should go back to the policy of minding its own business. Unconditional support of Israel has brought nothing but heartache and bankruptcy.
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Joey8
Sep. 12, 2012 at 9:26pmOf course, only back your allies when it’s easy and convenient. I can tell you’ve stood up for a lot of people in your life.
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jblaze
Sep. 12, 2012 at 9:26pmLike it or not, Jerk, America was founded on the same God as Israel and Britain (including her Commonwealth Countries). You nor I have the power to break the bond of brotherhood shared. Only God has the power to break that bond! If God so wishes it will be done, but only to fulfill His plan for mankind.
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Sgt_Rock
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:11pmI asked five people in my office, all former military and all pretty current on their wold events and no one had heard of this kidnapping. WTF has the media been on this? HUA as usual I’m sure. This is a disgrace.
God Bless you Mr. Weinstein. It is my sincere hope you come home soon. However, I doubt that will be the case.
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The_Jerk
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:33pmNot too current. It’s an old story.
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whatthecrazy
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:10pmGods will, be done
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TriforcePlayer
Sep. 12, 2012 at 9:50pmIndeed
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Detroit paperboy
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:08pmWhat is Odumbass ‘s next tee time ???? Cuz that can not wait ……….
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whatthecrazy
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:07pmGods will, be done…………..
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Gorp
Sep. 12, 2012 at 10:55pmHow many Gods? Just askin’.
Isn’t it more like God’s will, be done?
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trueblueday
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:58pmand I still have “friends” who will vote for BO – go figure. They just don’t have a clue.
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turkey13
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:18pmWarren, shut up right now and suck it up like a man. I’m running for re-election and am busy kissing babies and getting brown racing stripes on both sides of my nose. If I win get in touch with the White House come next January.
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progressiveslayer
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:41pmLet’s see the old man wants the atheist in chief to help him out of this jam with savages that like Barry,I’m afraid the old man is done for,they’ll saw his head off slowly because that’s how savages kill a defenseless old man.
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WindyDualism
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:40pmAdd your comments
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mikenleeds
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:30pmi feel bad for you old dude but if you think our socialist excuse for a president obama is going to help you , well your screwed
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nobama2012yeswecan
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:24pmFire bomb the whole country side where He might be held and pray that he is the only survivor..or ..do nothing and they kill him when they can’t feed him no more..If I was the American I would ask to pinpoint my location and let it rip!! Not just Me but anyone in the sound of my mushroom blast..But thats just Me!!
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v15
Sep. 12, 2012 at 11:28pmthat’s exactly what I was thinking. If I were a hostage, knowing that the US doesn’t negotiate with terrorists, then I would hope that the military would drop so many bombs that no one, including myself, could survive. These animals only understand violence so we should exact revenge so ruthless that it will make them think twice about pulling stunts like this.
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barber2
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:24pmStay tuned, folks. Obama will appear on Lap Dog 60 minutes this week. He gets to trash Romney in Prime Time ! Gotta Distract. Gotta Blame someone else ! Am sure MSMBC and all of their other pimps will be selling the same propaganda garbage.
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kindling
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:15pmI do feel very bad for him and his friends. It must be horrible to be held by people you know can’t be trusted. He has been placed in an impossible position….but the truth is he placed himself there I am sure for honorable reasons but dangerous none the less. Frankly it is a situation he should know will probably end just as this one is. All Americans over there are at great risk and know it. The biggest unknown is if our government can free you if/when you are taken hostage. Most of the time the answer is no.
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barber2
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:12pmNOBAMA 2012 NO DEMOCRATS 2012. As the riots grow again in Cairo tonight, I have never felt such total disgust toward my own government . Fools. Cowards. Clueless. Idiots. Anyone who saw how the savages treated Gaddafi , could have seen where this mess would end…
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Detroit paperboy
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:04pmSorry Mr. Weinstein , before your life, there is ….golf, vacation, campaigning, Beyonce and JZ, Letterman, fundraising, Dinner with Clooney and Sara Jessica, shooting hooops with my lover Reggie Love, and did I mention GOLF ????? So please quit making thes stupid and annoying videos…..”.”
Sincerely yours, Barack Hussein Odumbass ………….after the election I may have more flexibility….
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iwillnotbequiet
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:20pmDon’t forget he has to be on Pimp with a Limp so he can’t be bothered with you or a talk with BB.
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The-Monk
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:52pmHarry Reid; “Well, the word is out….. and Mr. Weinstein, after admitting he would vote for Romney if released before Nov 6th, is not worth any effort to be rescued at the moment.”
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Ghandi was a Republican
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:41pmThis guy thinks he’s more important than year round campaigning.. Maybe he should ask his captors to hold a campaign event for obama and see what kind of kickback they can get for themselves.. He might be able to fool them into thinking it’s a ransom.
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Zeke48
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:38pmThis country has lost it Balls since we put BHObama in charge. He has no idea how to be an American. They don’t teach you how to be brave in Kenya
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Exrepublisheep
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:52pmrriigggghhhhhhtttttttt…
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trueblueday
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:56pmand I still have “friends” who want to vote for this guy… truely clueless.
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SLAPTHELEFT
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:35pmI hate to say it but anyone who forsakes his or her safety to do work in that god forsaken hell hole is on their own when it comes to kidnapping. Those people have demandss that will never be met regardless of our concessions.
I only vacation in the US and only in right to carry states. I do this for a reason…
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Exrepublisheep
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:53pmI agree/ me too. (slap)
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momrules
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:31pmThis poor man is in the same horrible boat that Bowe Bergdahl is in. The terrorists kidnap them then make demands that they know will not be met.
B. Netanyahu will not be able to help in this case unless the Israelis gather intelligence that tells where he is being held and they decide to go in and get him. Doubtful at best but it sure would embarrass Obama, now wouldn’t it?
I will add Mr. Weinstein to my prayer list. Miracles do happen. Always remember Pastor Nardarkani.
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PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:29pmThere is still a MIA soldier being held over there too and nothing being done to free him. God bless this man and I hope the PM of Israel will do everything he can to free him.
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momrules
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:37pmBowe Bergdahl………..another one that I pray for and have for two years. Not everyone has forgotten him. I heard Col. North talking about him several months ago on Fox. There are people, maybe not our government, but people like Col. North who are trying to free Bowe from captivity.
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Oneirishman
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:24pmKiss your ass goodbye pal. Obama’s not going to help an American Jew. How the hell does anyone think they can go to this region and be safe?
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jhaydeng
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:10pmI say this every day!
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woodyee
Sep. 12, 2012 at 6:22pmI’m sorry for you Mr. Weinstein. It would be a huge mistake for our country to trade you for Al-qaeda and/or Taliban prisoners; hostage taking would increase by leaps and bounds in hopes of huge rewards. We pray that you be released as a benevolent act by your captors, being as you are but an innocent civilian.
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MDECKER
Sep. 12, 2012 at 7:16pmOne day, the Mujahudeen will become, the Mujahasbeen, and I will have one heckofa Pig Roast!
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Sgt_Rock
Sep. 12, 2012 at 8:06pmAccording to Al Qaeda, there are no innocent civilians, especially if they are infidels. They have no problem targeting muslim and non-muslim civilians specially if it furthers their jihad. Remember, most of the people killed in Iraq by AQI IEDs / car bombs etc. were civilians. These mutts are terrorist plain and simple. The are not freedom fighters or noble warriors. They are rabid dogs and should be dealt with accordingly.
My sympathies to Mr. Weinstein and his family, but I would not look for a positive outcome for him, God bless him and let us keep him in our prayers.
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