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HONG KONG, March 16, 2000

(CBS) March 16, 2000 – Suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden reportedly is dying of kidney disease.

Bin Laden Reported To Be Dying - Kidney Disease May Be Cause

Word Came From Hong Kong-Based Magazine

Bin Laden, 45, is suspected of masterminding the deadly 1998 bombings of two American embassies in Africa - which killed 224 people, including 12 Americans - and is believed to be hiding in Afghanistan.

The Hong Kong-based magazine Asiaweek reports kidney disease is starting to affect bin Laden's liver. It also says a close associate is trying to get a dialysis machine to help him.

The weekly news magazine, quoting "a Western intelligence source who has been tracking him," said the Saudi Arabian millionaire remains mostly conscious and is able to talk and hold meetings.

The kidney disease reportedly had begun to affect bin Laden's liver and associates were trying to obtain a dialysis machine to stabilize his condition. But "the man is dying," Asiaweek quoted the source as saying.

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 Now if this is true, it certainly provides a new perspective on Bin Laden’s ability to flit about the country at will.  In addition, he will require electricity to keep all those high tech goodies working.  And as we all know, that will require a generator, and will produce a lot of heat during those cold winter nights. That is, if he hasn't been blasted into bits by now ( 24 / 12 / 01).

Heard the piece above confirmed by a talking head on FOX News Channel. Didn't get his name, making this somewhat less than a perfect confirmation, but it was discussed on Hannity & Combs in a small amount of detail. ( 2 / 1 / 02).