“Although intelligence on Al Qaeda’s attempts to develop CBRN [chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear] weapons while in Afghanistan was virtually non-existent, Osama’s statements on such weapons provided an insight into his intentions. Unlike other terrorist leaders, who concealed their hand, Osama was quite explicit [in a Time magazine interview on January 11, 1999]: ‘Acquiring weapons for the defence of Muslims is a religious duty. If I have indeed acquired these weapons, I am carrying out a duty. It would be a sin for Muslims not to try to possess the weapons that would prevent the infidels from inflicting harm on Muslims.’ “
– Rohan Gunaratna, Inside al Qaeda, Page 48