Primary Sources

Given the omnipresent deceptive media spin, it is always best to go directly to primary sources to determine, for instance, what motivates terrorists. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, mastermind of 9/11, testified on March 10, 2007 at a Combatant Status Review Tribunal Hearing. He said, "Usama bin Laden, he did his best conference in American media. Mr. John Miller he been there when he made declaration against Jihad, against America. And he said, it is not no need for me now to make explanation of what he said, but mostly he said about American military presence in Arabian peninsula and aiding Israel and many things." (ISN #10024, p.21) This interview with Osama bin Laden is part of a PBS "Frontline" documentary "Hunting bin Laden" and took place in Afghanistan May 1998. Responding to questions from his followers as well as from ABC's John Miller, Bin Laden voiced objections to the presence of American troops in the Muslim Holy Land, saying they were there to support Jewish expansionism. He stated, "For over half a century, Muslims in Palestine have been slaughtered and assaulted and robbed of their honor and of their property. Their houses have been blasted, their crops destroyed." "The leaders in America and in other countries have fallen victim to Jewish Zionist blackmail. They have mobilized their people against Islam and against Muslims." "Your position against Muslims in Palestine is despicable and disgraceful. America has no shame...We believe that the worst thieves in the world today and the worst terrorists are the Americans." "The American government is leading the country towards hell...We say to the Americans as people and to American mothers, if they cherish their lives and if they cherish their sons, they must elect an American patriotic government that caters to their interests not the interests of the Jews."