8/23/1996

On August 23, 1996, Osama bin Laden issued a statement to the ummah (Muslim world). “This was the manifesto declaring war on America. Written in anger, it recounts the ‘oppression, hostility and injustice [committed] by the Judeo-Christian alliance’ against the ummah. …Invoking several sayings from the Prophet on the importance of jihad, bin Laden concludes with a call to arms: ‘Your enemies are the Israelis and Americans. Cavalry of Islam, be mounted!’ ”

 – Bruce Riedel, The Search for Al Qaeda, Pages 57-58