“Interviewed later [on December 22, 1998] about the deaths of the Africans [in the August 7, 1998, embassy bombings], Bin Ladin answered that ‘when it becomes apparent that it would be impossible to repel these Americans without assaulting them, even if this involved the killing of Muslims, this is permissible under Islam.’ Asked if he had indeed masterminded these bombings, Bin Ladin said that the World Islamic Front for jihad against ‘Jews and Crusaders’ had issued a ‘crystal clear’ fatwa. If the instigation for jihad against the Jews and the Americans to liberate the holy places ‘is considered a crime,’ he said, ‘let history witness that I am a criminal.’ ”
– 9/11 Commission, The 9/11 Commission Report, Page 70