Jean Sasson, co-author of “Growing Up bin Laden,” reveals intimate details about Osama bin Laden, shared by his wife and son, Najwa bin Laden and Omar bin Laden, who are also Ms. Sasson's two co-authors.

Discussion Questions

1. Ms. Sasson discusses Osama bin Laden's role in the Soviet-Afghan war and mentions the U.S. military's involvement. According to Ms. Sasson, when did Al Qaeda and the Taliban form? Why does she supply this information?
2. Locate Tora Bora on a map. Explain the impact of Omar’s quote about Osama’s familiarity with the terrain of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and how that information could influence current policy.
3. During the first Gulf War, how did Osama, as well as many Saudi men, react to the presence of female and Jewish-American troops in Saudi Arabia? Why did they react this way?
4. Do you think having the wife and son of Osama bin Laden as co-authors affects the book in any way? Why or why not? Click here to watch the entire interview.