THE TELEGRAPH: Osama bin Laden's first wife has given a revealing insight into the complex character of the man behind the world's most wanted terrorist.
Najwa bin Laden has published a memoir claiming he was a contradiction of personality traits.
She reveals he was a disciplinarian who would beat his children for showing too many teeth when they smiled, but maintained a passion for sunflowers and fast cars his first wife has said.
He also banned the use of electrical appliances in his home and tried to toughen up his sons by making them climb desert mountains without water.
Details from the home life of the founder of al Qaeda have emerged in the book Najwa has written with his fourth son Omar.
Growing Up Bin Laden charts his journey from teenage newly-wed to the face of international terrorism, revealing along the way that he was fond of mangos and the BBC.
Alongside details of his domestic life, the memoir portrays a man who became increasingly severe as he was pursued by the Western powers. >>> Ben Farmer in Kabul | Friday, October 16, 2009
