Osama bin Laden says in a previously unheard interview that the U.S. war against terrorism will bring down what he calls "unbearable hell and choking life" on the American people, and the West in general.

Excerpts of the interview, which was conducted on October 21 by the al-Jazeera Arabic network, were broadcast Thursday by CNN television.

In the interview, Osama bin Laden did not answer directly when he was asked whether his al-Qaida group was responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. He said only that America has made many accusations against al-Qaida and other Muslim groups, and charges that his followers are terrorists are "unwarranted."

But the al-Qaida leader went on to say, "If killing those who kill our sons is terrorism, then let history be witness that we are terrorists."

Osama bin Laden said killing innocent civilians "is permissible in Islamic law" as a reciprocal act, retaliating for the death of Muslim innocents.

The Qatar-based al-Jazeera network said it did not air the Bin Laden interview because it was not seen as newsworthy.

Al-Jazeera says it is severing relations with CNN as a result of the interview broadcast. CNN says its affiliate relationship with Al-Jazeera allows it to use any video footage the Arabic network has.

CNN news chief Eason Jordan says al-Jazeera's decision not to broadcast the interview leaves some "tough questions" for the Arabic network to answer.

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

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