A Family's Huge Burden

"A look at the lesser-known bin Ladens," by Phoebe Connelly. May 6, 2011.

What most people didn't know is that Osama was born into a rich family who initially had nothing, and suddenly became Saudi royal family's most trusted construction contractors. After Osama became a devout Muslim at the age of 13, he was officially disowned by his family at the request of the Saudi government. Carmen bin Laden is married to Osama's brother, Yeslem. As the sister-in-law, she finds it difficult to carry the family name because of Osama's actions, all of which goes against her and her daughters' beliefs.Osama's brother Khalil owned a mansion in Florida and had vacationed there with his family before the 9/11 attacks. After the tragedy, he and his family had to flee and went under police protection under fear of reprisals.