In an interview aired by ABC on May 28, 1998, Osama bin Laden said: ” ‘We have seen in the last decade the decline of the American government and the weakness of the American soldier who is ready to wage Cold Wars and unprepared to fight long wars. This was proven in Beirut [Lebanon] when the Marines fled after two explosions. It also proves they can run in less than 24 hours, as this was also repeated in Somalia.’ ”
– Mary Habeck, Knowing the Enemy, Page 168