The message refers to the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia but doesn’t mention the uprisings in Libya, Yemen, Syria or elsewhere.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the classified nature of the information.

The official said it is “puzzling” that bin Laden would “suddenly join the bandwagon on the uprisings,” months after they started and not mention all of the Arab nations in turmoil. For instance, the official said it was a “head scratcher” why bin Laden would not indicate his support for the uprising against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, a man bin Laden detested.