When even the New York Times reviewer can be this critical, CNN must have been seized by the spirit of Leni Riefestahl in its paean to Osama bin Laden. On the one hand, the producers here are attentive to Mr. bin Laden's skill at media manipulation. On the other, they themselves seem half—seduced by the portrait of the pure—hearted Arab revolutionary that has so captivated parts of the Muslim world. With the heavy rotation of soulful portraits of the soft—voiced prophet of jihad with Super 8—style movies of the warrior on horseback, parts of 'In the Footsteps of bin Laden' could almost double as a recruiting video for Al Qaeda. Mr. bin Laden's childhood friends express their love and admiration for him, and talk feelingly of his modesty, generosity, loyalty and deep piety. Important historical figures like Prince Turki al—Faisal, the former Saudi intelligence chief, give exclusive interviews, in which they present, without challenge, partial and...(Read Full Post)