Journalist Peter Bergen wrote: “On February 22, 1998, bin Laden upped the ante considerably when he announced the formation of the World Islamic Front for Jihad against the Jews and the Crusaders. Cosignatories of the agreement included Ayman al-Zawahiri of Egypt’s Jihad Group, bin Laden’s most trusted lieutenant; Rifia Ahmed Taha of Egypt’s Islamic Group, and the leaders of Pakistani and Bangladeshi militant organizations. All were brought together under one umbrella for the first time.”
– Peter Bergen, Holy War, Inc., Page 98