Image taken from a banner advertisement featured on an Islamic militant Web site where al-Qaida's media arm, Al-Sahab, frequently posts messages, 06 Sep 2007

U.S. intelligence officials have said they believe a new video from al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden is authentic.

On Friday, analysts said the voice on the recording appears to be bin Laden's. In the video, bin Laden recommends Americans end their democratic system of government and embrace Islam.

During the 30-minute address, bin Laden made references to recent news events. News accounts indicate the tape contains no overt threats to the United States.

According to a transcript, bin Laden says there are two ways to end the Iraq war. He says one way is for insurgent fighters to continue to escalate the killing of American forces and the other is for Americans to do away with the democratic system of government and embrace Islam.

A posting on an Islamist Web site late Thursday said al-Qaida intended to release the video to mark the sixth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the United States.

Bin Laden has not appeared in a video message since late 2004. The most recent audio message attributed to him was released more than a year ago.

Bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, are believed to be hiding in the border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The United States is offering a $25 million reward for bin Laden.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.