WASHINGTON — United States officials said today an “extensive analysis” of the recently recorded audiotape had convinced intelligence experts that the tape “almost certainly” contained the voice of Osama bin Laden, ending the debate in the government over whether the terrorist leader is still alive. No evidence that the tape is a hoax could be detected, but 100 percent certainty is impossible given the poor quality of the recording, said intelligence officials.

Osama bin Laden makes several references to recent terrorist attacks on the tape, which was recorded sometime within the last several weeks. Experts from the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency have examined the tape.

(via New York Times)