“In a statement posted to the Internet December 16, 2004, bin Laden emphasized the importance of disrupting Iraq’s vital oil industry. ‘Targeting America in Iraq in terms of economy and losses in life is a golden and unique opportunity. Do not waste the opportunity only to regret it later. One of the most important reasons that led our enemies to control our land is the theft of our oil. Do everything you can to stop the biggest plundering operation in history. Be active and prevent them from reaching the oil, and mount your operations accordingly, particularly in Iraq and the Gulf.’ ”
– Peter Bergen, The Osama bin Laden I Know, Page 352